Can't get seals out for lower unit, 56 Johnson 7.5

[maverick1]

I'm am new to this board so if I make a mistake, please excuse me.<br /><br />I am replacing the lower unit seals on my 1956 7.5hp Johnson outboard. Everything was going smoothly until now. I cannot get the old seals out. There is two I am having problems with. The first one is for the prop shaft, and the second is for the vertical power shaft. It seems if time has frozen them in place. What is the best way to get these out? I have tryed my normal hook type seal puller but that is it.<br /><br />There is one more that I haven't attempted yet. I believe it is just a o-ring for the shift shaft. It is recessed down into the lower unit housing. What is the best way to attack this one?<br /><br />Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[dkondelik]

Re: Can't get seals out for lower unit, 56 Johnson 7.5

Afternoon Maverick1,<br /><br />I don't know your '56 7.5 but on my '66 9.5 (based on the 7.5), the seals are buggers and need to be abused to be removed. I've had the best luck using small vice grips to the lip of the seal and pry until it slips. Then move over a bit and start over. Within a lap or 2 around the seal, it will finally give up (thought it will be completely destroyed).<br /><br />The bigger concern I had was a "wear" groove in the drive shaft at the seal. This is where my leak was located at. New seal didn't do a lot to help this one.<br /><br />Anyway, persistance on the "press fit" seals will get them out. Just be patient.<br /><br />Good Luck<br />HAVE FUN!

 

[maverick1]

Re: Can't get seals out for lower unit, 56 Johnson 7.5

I figured I would have to do something like that <br /><br />Did you touch that o-ring at all? I'm geussing I'll need a dental pick and try it that way. <br /><br />Thanks!

 

[Hooty]

Re: Can't get seals out for lower unit, 56 Johnson 7.5

Even if there is a "wear" groove like Klondike7 had, all is not lost. These grooves can be repaired relatively easy by any good machine shop.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[alcan]

Re: Can't get seals out for lower unit, 56 Johnson 7.5

Hi Maverick<br /> You will need a long punch with a sholder on it, to remove the shift shaft seal. This should be replaced. They tend to get hard over time and are subject to quit a bit of wear. As for the other seals, I use a long punch with a short 90 degree bend on the end. Then I just tap them out. If you get to prying too much you will break the seal housing. Then you'll have a real problem. You should have a manual to help you with this. You can either order the punch for the shift bushing o-ring from your OMC dealer (they are fairly cheep) or make your own. You will need the same tool to install as well. Your public library may have a manual.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Can't get seals out for lower unit, 56 Johnson 7.5

Maverick...if all else fails and you have pulled all the guts out of the seal and the outside metal band is left, a dremel tool with a cutting blade can help. I've had to do this a couple times. Just be careful not to cut into the seal seat. The shift rod o'ring sets in a bushing that can be punched out as alcan described. Good luck!

 

[maverick1]

Re: Can't get seals out for lower unit, 56 Johnson 7.5

I thought about the dremel but then knowing myself I'd probably knick the bushing that sits right behind the seal. Looks like I'm in search of those punches now.<br /><br />I have some groves in my prop shaft. How can a machine shop solve that without taking the diameter down? How much would that cost?<br /><br />One last dumb question. When putting everything back together I am going to put lube on everything so I know it won't be completely dry when I start it. Should I use the normal lube that goes in it or should I/can I use assembly lube?<br /><br />Thanks for the help. I've never done any of this before. Worked on many other things but never a lower unit of a outboard. And yes, I can tell you how everything goes back together