86 Force 125hp upper water tube seal

barney2020

Recruit
Joined
Jun 12, 2008
Messages
3
Hello All,
I went to replace the impeller on my motor and when I removed the gearcase the water tube came out with it. According to my clymar manual the water tube should have stayed in the motor leg.
So here's my question, do I need to pull the powerhead to replace the upper seal.
I bought a upper seal and grommet and talked to a couple of local "pro's" and was told that it could be done from the bottom.
When I tried I found a fair amount of cooked crusty debris below the powerhead. Do I have other problems?

Thanks,
Barney
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,183
Re: 86 Force 125hp upper water tube seal

The cooked and crusties are just burned oil/carbon.
I haven't been able to replace from the bottom. Ask the locals how and post it. Jerry
 

barney2020

Recruit
Joined
Jun 12, 2008
Messages
3
Re: 86 Force 125hp upper water tube seal

Thanks for the reply Jerry, I don't think it can be done from the bottom. I tried and there just isn't enough clearance to get it all the way up and keep the seal in place on the end of the tube. Barney
 

fab9racing

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 16, 2008
Messages
42
Re: 86 Force 125hp upper water tube seal

if you will go to the local hardware and get a piece of wooden dialstick that is just a bit smaller in diameter that the water tube place the dialstick up into the motor to use for a guide you can put the seal and the gromet then the tube lube up the groment and the seal and you slowley push and it will wiggle right end you will need a piece of dial to be at least 30in long get the idea, and if you dont have an exploded view of what you are looking at, may i suggest going to crowleymarine.com go to parts section and it will guide you thru in the gearbox section you can get a plain view of what you are dealing with
 

barney2020

Recruit
Joined
Jun 12, 2008
Messages
3
Re: 86 Force 125hp upper water tube seal

I pulled my powerhead yesterday and replaced the upper seal. Not that bad of a job, but I didn't do it exactly by the book. Such as removing the carbs and flywheel...I will say removing that front powerhead to leg bolt is a challenge and you better have a 9/16 box end wrench you are willing to modify if you want to save some time. From my recent experience the ONLY way to properly replace the upper water tube seal on this motor is to pull the powerhead. You may be able to fish the seal up through the motor leg and have it function but I wasn't willing to risk it. Barney
 

remembereasy

Cadet
Joined
Sep 8, 2013
Messages
7
Re: 86 Force 125hp upper water tube seal

I pulled my powerhead yesterday and replaced the upper seal. Not that bad of a job, but I didn't do it exactly by the book. Such as removing the carbs and flywheel...I will say removing that front powerhead to leg bolt is a challenge and you better have a 9/16 box end wrench you are willing to modify if you want to save some time. From my recent experience the ONLY way to properly replace the upper water tube seal on this motor is to pull the powerhead. You may be able to fish the seal up through the motor leg and have it function but I wasn't willing to risk it. Barney

I lowered my lower unit to replace the impeller and the end of the water tube came with it because it was corroded through. Does the upper seal have to be changed or can I gently pull out the remaining water tube and reinsert it from below. I am a tenderfoot so any advice is appreciated! Paul
 

remembereasy

Cadet
Joined
Sep 8, 2013
Messages
7
Re: 86 Force 125hp upper water tube seal

if you will go to the local hardware and get a piece of wooden dialstick that is just a bit smaller in diameter that the water tube place the dialstick up into the motor to use for a guide you can put the seal and the gromet then the tube lube up the groment and the seal and you slowley push and it will wiggle right end you will need a piece of dial to be at least 30in long get the idea, and if you dont have an exploded view of what you are looking at, may i suggest going to crowleymarine.com go to parts section and it will guide you thru in the gearbox section you can get a plain view of what you are dealing with

I lowered my lower unit to replace the impeller and the end of the water tube came with it because it was corroded through. Does the upper seal have to be changed or can I gently pull out the remaining water tube and reinsert it from below. I am a tenderfoot so any advice is appreciated! Paul
 
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