Chrysler 1973 55 HP Lower Unit Seals - Need Help!

[Rob85]

Hey all,

I recently acquired a 1973 Chrysler 55 hp (model 559HF) outboard. Everything is great with the motor, it just needed a new impeller and lower unit seals. I purchased a lower unit seal kit but I've run into a couple of concerns while installing them I need some help with. The first one is how to get the drive shaft seal under the water pump assembly out. I've tried to get it out but it must need a special seal puller. I couldn't get it to budge and I didn't want to damage the drive shaft cylinder so I stopped trying on it. Where can I find this tool or what else will get it out? Secondly, the lower shift rod seal is just a small disc seal that is half red plastic and half black rubber. I'm assuming the black rubber side goes face down so the rubber is against the housing, but the problem is that the seal is snug on the shift rod and moves up and down with it coming away from the housing. Clearly it won't provide any waterproof protection doing that. I've read that there is a shift rod seal install tool but I have no idea what it even looks like or how it would work. How do I get this seal to stay in place?
Thanks!!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Chrysler 1973 55 HP Lower Unit Seals - Need Help!

The shift rod seal should be a metal cup with a black rubber insert. The rubber goes down into the case and then the seal is pressed in. IF the case is corroded so that the seal metal cup will not press in and hold, then the case either needs to be replaced or repaired. To press in the seal, use a socket of the correct size and tap it with a hammer. If the shift rod is still installed, use a piece of pipe over the socket. When installed, the seal should be snug on the shaft yet move smoothly.

For the drive shaft seals, I have always just pryed them out with a screwdriver. You can also get a styrdy needle nose pliers and grab the inner lip. Then twist and deform the seal until it pops out.

 

[Rob85]

Re: Chrysler 1973 55 HP Lower Unit Seals - Need Help!

Thanks for the reply Frank. I'll try to post a picture later this evening of the shift rod seal that came in the kit. It definitely isn't like you described! As far as the drive shaft seal, I've tried a flat head screw driver, needlenose pliers, a small pick, and vice grips....that thing is in there! I wasn't sure if there was an easier way to remove it or if it will take some carefully applied brute force to loosen it up. I guess I'll give it another try!
Thanks,