Lower unit seals

[Merc 2.5]

They come with 2, 3 will fit. If you run 3 they probably won't line up with the existing wear marks on the shaft either...

Makes complete sense and sounds like fresh place to seal. I like this. Is there a down side?

[Merc 2.5]

Won't affect the shims. Might need a slid hammer puller to get the carrier to slide out. Don't lose the little key.

Sry for rookie question. but when carrier and key slide out that's all that comes loose? Swap seals ,oring slide back in?

**** guess I can break out manual. duh

[luv2gofast]

Yep you got it...of course the oil's gonna run out

[nitro_rat]

Makes complete sense and sounds like fresh place to seal. I like this. Is there a down side?

50% increase in seal cost?

[265mercman]

I got ya some seals right here in my shop I just built a lower today can help ya whenever ya want

[eli]

I have replaced seals in my cle,s quite often moving them in at first then out eventually got the shafts redone i suppose if you get 3 thin body seals it should work good clean the area good and use locktite let it set for a couple days then go get er done

[Aaronhl]

Watch out for the springs in the seal they like to pop out, is there an alternative to the oem mercury seals?

[Merc 2.5]

Big shout out to 265mercman This is just 1 reason why this site is so great. mr265 just so happens to live roughly a hr away. Hes been so generous to not just change seals but show me the ropes on the lower and hes also gonna supply the seals , yes I did try pay the man but he just wants to help at no charge , thanks again and looking forward to it

[TEXAS20225]

call me info is much cheaper then hiccups its a piece of cake!!!! i dont use a slide hammer on these too much chance of snapping the outer ring off they are so thin best to use merc puller with the long jaws on it but i know most of the normal boat owners dont have all this stuff so do what you can with what you have its the mother of invention a 3.0 carrier they are much heavier yes i know it has no slot for key i cut one though , only the old guys remember the first 3.0 had a key way lol but Merc "fixed it "

[NZ Sidewinder]

Here is an experimental system Im planning to use shortly.
Big bearing C1 case consumer shaft 3.0L Carrier with factory screw holes in two webs.
3 seals held in with simple retainer.

First seal goes in backwards and acts as a last line of defense against water.
Backwards also keeps lip away from a full compliment needle bearing

Second seal goes in opposite way to hold oil in case

3rd seal goes in as first line of defense against water.

Some oil will pass the first seal to lubricate the second seal.

Retainer is a stainless washer with screw tabs.

3 seals moves seals away from existing wear grooves.

[Dave S]

NZ .... looks good....Trying new ways is how new stuff comes about.....I work on salty mercs and a pain to undo lowers......Hafta drill the nut off....I use an old prop and 2 flat plates of 1/4 sleel between the prop and gearcase......use a prop nut with washers to pull the carrier....they still fight.......

[NZ Sidewinder]

My carrier puller is possibly similar.
Just an old steel 6 inch Vee pulley with 2 x1/2 inch holes drilled through it for threaded hooks that grab around the two side webs of the carrier.
When tightened up the threaded hooks pull the flat face of the pulley up against the face of the case.
This will pull the carrier out flush with the case by which time the carrier is mostly free.
Old corroded carriers can get damaged by this tool but because any standard carrier that I might pull will always be replaced by a tidy or new 3.0L one it doesn't matter.
I know the Mercury puller uses the shaft to pull of but I just dont want to do that.

[Whaaaaat]

Replaced a bunch of seals over the years, never once have I pulled the carrier. Just drive a hole in it with a pick or punch. Then hook a pick in the hole and they pop right out. Never worked on a fresh water engine. I'm sure they come apart with a lot less cursing.

Like the idea of three seals, and nz configuration to keep middle seal wet. Usually just put 2 back in facing out. Rather loose a little oil than let water in.