? On removing and instaling new seals..

[Keaten]

? On how to remove prop shaft seals with shaft still in place. ... and maybe a idea where to get a seal installer that will clear the shaft to allow install.. can a guy buy or find another housing that holds the seals or is that a mate for that sertain case..?

[Dave Strong]

The only way to do it correctly is pull the carrier and use the tools that were designed for the job.

Dave

[nelson edens]

Yeah, that way you can check on the condition of the gears

[Keaten]

Cool thanks

[johnboy 88 vegas]

So you have heard the proper way now I will tell the easy way if you have a stuck carrier. Get one of these seal pullers. http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...FZC1wAodmDAEbw Put the straighter end of the puller up against the seal and hit the other end with a hammer driving it through the seal so you can pry it out....let me say again this is not the proper way to do this so be careful not to gouge the prop shaft when beating it in the seal. Once you get them out polish the prop shaft with fine emory cloth on the seal surface and obviously clean the portion of the carrier that holds the seals. Use a piece of pvc pipe to drive the new seals in. I can do this improper repair in 10 minutes or less....your call.

[flabum1017]

For the ones that pop out on their own, I have a merc tool that I bored out to fit over the shaft (pilot ended up being cut off of course). This allows the seals to go in straight and to the right depth. I don't try removing the seals if they are still in the carrier, not worth something slipping and having to pay for a new carrier or shaft.

[Keaten]

Yea I'm having a hard time knowing when there bottomed out and also getting them to go in straight I think I'm just Goin get a new carrier if mine will come out and not be frozen in soild

[johnboy 88 vegas]

For the ones that pop out on their own, I have a merc tool that I bored out to fit over the shaft (pilot ended up being cut off of course). This allows the seals to go in straight and to the right depth. I don't try removing the seals if they are still in the carrier, not worth something slipping and having to pay for a new carrier or shaft.

That is completely understood as it is the proper way....I do this for a living and can do a propshaft seal job in 15 minutes without screwing anything up but it's not the proper way by the book.

[johnboy 88 vegas]

Btw sorry bout the pic of the seal puller....use the link in the message to see the what it really looks like.

[Dave Strong]

That is completely understood as it is the proper way....I do this for a living and can do a propshaft seal job in 15 minutes without screwing anything up but it's not the proper way by the book.

I do it for a living as well, the extra 1/2 hrs it takes to pull the carrier and do it right is a no Brainer. If the shortcut does fail your paying for all damage. Done correctly you are not at fault.

Dave

[johnboy 88 vegas]

Well I've done hundreds of them with no screw ups. That being said I'm darn good at it and I will not risk a shortcut unless I'm 100% sure I can do it without a problem. Not trying to brag but every good mechanic in the outboard field has their own nack for certain repairs that others want to take the long way around. Obviously you have never worked on salt water motors that have non removable carriers even with an acetalene torch and the best pullers known to to man. I choose to remove seals instead of splitting a gearcase housing just to get seals out. Freshwater mechanics are lucky to say the least.

[rock]

Well Keaten here is the way I see it. You have been bitten bad by the speed bug and I doubt this is the last time you will be in a lower unit. Start collecting tools. You are smart enough to use them correctly and in my world I have never bought a tool that did not pay for itself in time. Happy New Year to you and yours.

Rock

[W2F a V-King]

If the carrier is froze and wont come out easy, it's better to deal with it now. It's froze because of corrosion, corrosion doesn't sleep....it grows. Especially with bad Zinc's.

I have seen a cracked/split Merc lower unit because of this. (One I inherited) Albeit rare. If your prop shaft seals are leaking, you might have water intrusion.

Like Rock says, get the right tools, and if you ever decide to get out of boating...(yea...right, like that ever happens)... You can always sell them.

You fresh water guys don't know the fun your missin not running in the salt!!! Oh, Yea....I moved.

The only thing the salty water is good for is a hair more speed, and better fishing!

I used to pull mine apart every other year, just to clean, lube the carrier and reinstall. OH yea....NO Never Seize, at least in salt water use. If you have the tools it only takes a little more time to do it pulling the carrier.


James