See full version: How To Change Outboard Prop Shaft Seals, The Easiest Way
This method is probably safer but still has the potential for damage. It’s important to be careful will utilizing both of these engines! So, you’ve been warned 😉 Here is a video displaying the use of both of these methods:
It is just really important that you predrill the holes in the seal. here
How To Change Outboard Prop Shaft Seals? Prop shaft seals are changed by pulling the bearing carrier & pushing the old seals out. Then pressing in the new seals & reinstalling the carrier. You can also pull the seals out without pulling the carrier to change them.
The next method is to take a flat head screwdriver and bend the outside of the seal in at four locations around the seal. Once the sides are bent in. You will be able to take a seal puller tool and work the seal up from the sides.
Measures pinion height of:
MC-1, R, MR, Alpha One &
Alpha One Gen II. here
Measures shim clearance on:
OMC Stringer &
OMC Cobra V6 O/B [links]
No. 90340
Prop Nut Adaptor Kit
(OEM: N/A) [links]
Installs & removes hinge pins from:
Mercruiser drive units.
Installs & removes threaded
bearing retainer on:
MR, Alpha One &
Alpha One Gen II. more
Step 12: Remove the bolts. Remove the ones that connect the front portion of the driveshaft to the rear driveshaft. [links]
Step 19: Push the bearing onto the shaft as straight as possible. Utilize a rubber or plastic tipped hammer to guide the bearing onto the driveshaft. [links]
Step 2: Lubricate rusty bolts. While you are under the vehicle, take a can of WD-40 and spray a liberal amount of penetrating fluid on each bolt that attaches the driveshaft (the front and rear). more
In order to remove the driveshaft, you'll need a rubber or plastic tipped hammer. On the front of the driveshaft is a welding mark that is solid and is the best place to hit with the hammer to loosen the driveshaft. Using the hammer and with your other hand supporting the driveshaft from underneath, hit the weld mark solidly. Repeat until the drive shaft is loose and can be removed from the front. here
Tip: There are a lot of people that believe it's possible to remove the center support bearing and reattach it by using a press or other methods. In most cases, this method fails as the bearing is not properly attached or secured. In order to avoid this problem, locate a local machine shop that can remove and install the center support bearing correctly. more
A common boating mishap is getting fishing line wrapped around the prop shaft behind the propeller of an outboard or sterndrive. Left unattended, the line will melt into a solid blob and can cut into the seals around the shaft, allowing water to leak in and gear lube to leak out. So it’s important to replace bad seals immediately. [links]
Changing damaged seals can help save your outboard or sterndrive gear case. [links]
This project focuses on a MerCruiser Alpha One drive. You’ll need to source the equivalent specialty tools mentioned and torque specifications appropriate to your lower unit. To prep, put the boat on a trailer, drain the gear lube, remove the propeller and its hardware, and pull the gear case from the drive shaft housing. Now let’s get started. more