Can't find 85 HP Force shift shaft seal

[Helping My Neighbor]

My neighbor has a 1988 Bayliner with an 85 HP 3cyl. Force outboard that I've been helping him work on. <br /><br /> Not too long ago the stator came up with an open coil. We replaced the stator and found a drain plug missing in the bottom of the engine compartment. We theorized that water had been getting into the engine compartment, splashing up, and caused a short on the stator. We replaced that. We took the boat out again but it filled right back up with water. <br /><br /> In the garage we removed the seal that wraps around the engine leg. I'll call it the "main seal" for clarity. It looked a lot like a garage door sweep (30 inches long, foam rubber, item 13 in dwg). My neighbor ordered the part but it was taking forever to arrive. In the mean time we tried using a rubber seal from an old automobile door. It was quite similar to the original part. I know, I know only trust original parts but if it worked... great when the ordered part got here we'd put that in its place... <br /><br /> Well, when trying to get this seal in we noticed that water was leaking around the shift shaft consistently, no matter what we did. It seemed there had to be a separate seal for the shaft. Since the shaft sits down in that groove at the point where it crosses the main seal we did not think there was anyway the shaft could be water tight without another shift shaft seal. Something made of nylon perhaps? Although there was no sight of any old part what-so-ever.<br /><br /> The local pro shop said the drawing shows nothing goes over that shaft. However, when I search this website I've found many references to a "shift shaft seal". Today my neighbor talked to a mechanic at a shop who said there wasn't a part that seals the shaft. He said that the main seal does it all. He said, "Yeah I don't like the design but it does work."<br /><br /> We're afraid if we have to keep putting the part in and taking it out we'll ruin it. Just to find out there is another part that is supposed to be in there.<br /> If anyone has a good part number for a shift shaft seal, I'd appreciate it. Or if I’m confusing that shift shaft seal with something else and it’s like the mechanic says, there’s one main seal and that’s it then thanks for the input.<br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to read this marathon post!!!!!!!<br />John

 

[roscoe]

Re: Can't find 85 HP Force shift shaft seal

The shift shaft seals are in the lower unit. They hold the oil in, and water out, of the lower unit, not the engine compartment.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Can't find 85 HP Force shift shaft seal

Years ago...on Chrysler engines there used to be 2 shiftshaft seals used.<br /><br />F338618 was the old number. One was used on the gearcase...the other was directly above it where the shift shaft went through the Leg...it was used more as a guide than anything.<br /><br />TMD