Help!! 3.0L LH Sportmaster Carrier Seal Removal!!

**Hydrogasm** · 06-05-2018, 02:53 PM

I am swapping out the Mercury parts for Todd Ds billet shift shaft seals and carrier seals on my LH and RH 3.0L Sportmasters, which I have done before in other cases. I have the LH apart and discovered a different style of carrier seal than I have seen before. It doesn't have the 2 bolts holding in place and I am not sure how to remove it. There are small holes on either side but there doesn't appear to be any bolts in them. Anyone come across this style before? Take a look at the photos attached and let me know if you have seen this before and any suggestions on how to remove it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Gary

**vnemous** · 06-05-2018, 02:57 PM

Just pops out. use leverage tool on both side

**flabum1017** · 06-05-2018, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by vnemous

Just pops out. use leverage tool on both side

two #2 phillips head screwdrivers

**Hydrogasm** · 06-05-2018, 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by flabum1017

two #2 phillips head screwdrivers

That worked great! When I install the new one there are no screw holes in the housing but I assume it will stay in place with the seals and the pump plate above just like the original one, correct?
Thanks again
Gary

**flabum1017** · 06-05-2018, 09:12 PM

Yup.... grease up the o-ring, push it into place and put it all together.............

**Hydrogasm** · 06-06-2018, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by flabum1017

Yup.... grease up the o-ring, push it into place and put it all together.............

Is there any need to drill and tap a couple of holes to put bolts in to hold it in place like the later versions? Or would that be over-kill? Thoughts?
Thanks
Gary

**flabum1017** · 06-06-2018, 03:50 PM

No, the water pump does a good job of holding it in place

**Hydrogasm** · 06-06-2018, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by flabum1017

No, the water pump does a good job of holding it in place

That's great. Thank you both for your help. As always a great bunch of members that are willing to help.
Gary

**vnemous** · 06-06-2018, 05:04 PM

Yeah if the water pump doesnt hold it in place you got issues

**Hydrogasm** · 06-11-2018, 08:52 PM

Okay, I just installed the new Todd D billet carrier seal and shift seal kits in both Sportmasters and I am ready to put new gear lube in. I just read another post that the LH will only hold about 16 ozs but the RH will hold 28 ozs. This is my first twin engine boat and up until now, I would put about 25 ozs in a RH with the same kits installed. I noticed when I drained the LH one there was a lot less fluid came out when compared to the RH. With the new seal kits installed, what is the correct amount of lube for each one? Also when I removed the drain and vent screws, there were no fibre washers on them even though Mercury shows them in the exploded parts view of the cases. Should I get the washers and install them or not? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Gary

**Capt.Insane-o** · 06-11-2018, 09:54 PM

LH lowers require lube changes halved of the righties. I should have taken pics of the last series of lowers I've done but lefties rely on some very small thrust bearings and added internal resistance, let alone the propshafts are cut for retainers.

**Hydrogasm** · 06-12-2018, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by Capt.Insane-o

LH lowers require lube changes halved of the righties. I should have taken pics of the last series of lowers I've done but lefties rely on some very small thrust bearings and added internal resistance, let alone the propshafts are cut for retainers.

I never realized that the left would take less fluid and require more fluid changes. Should I install the fibre washers on the drain and vent screws or will they be okay without them? Let me know.ThanksGary