Chrysler 55hp shift rod seal. How to?

[Woka]

Hi all,

Well the engine I have now runs beautifully but the lower unit is leaking around the shift rod seal.

I have pulled off the lower unit and now need to figure out how to change.
I have attached some pics....

1. What is the part number? The lower unit appears to be different from original motor. (a 1970 554BA)
I bought this seal from the shop but I think it is the wrong one looking at it.


2. How do you remove/replace the seal?

3. There is a hole in the case next to the bolt on the front right of the leg next to the shift rod. Why is this here?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Warwick.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Chrysler 55hp shift rod seal. How to?

Those shift rod seals were the same part for almost every Chrysler and early Force engine--even those with the Mercury water pump. The seal in the first photo is correct.

That lower unit looks really clean and the seal looks to be in good condition. Why not simply put a long socket of correct size over the shift rod and tap down the seal to tighten it? You want the shift rod to move smoothly yet have a little drag when you move it by hand.

If this doesn't seal the rod, then carefully unscrew the rod and thread a lag screw into the seal. Pull the seal. Install the new seal steel shell up and rubber side down. Press into the seat as I described above. Then you need to insert the rod and feel around for the threaded part on the bottom of the lower unit. It is a rectangular steel piece with a threaded hole in the center. It can spin so the hole may be displaced. If all else fails, you may need to remove the gearcase.


The hole is a weep hole to let water out of the lower unit and prevent corrosion.

 

[Woka]

Re: Chrysler 55hp shift rod seal. How to?

Hi frank,

Thanks, that is extremely helpful.
The reason I am replacing is that when I ran it out of the water with muffs on water/ oil mix came out that weep hole and when I dropped the leg to check the seals, The top of the black rubber against the shaft is sort of split and coming away even though it looks good in the photo. I maybe will try and tighten as you suggested first and then pressure test, do you know what thread the vent holes are so I can get the correct fitting to be able to pressurise the gear case and find if it still leaks?

Any idea what size lag screw if I do need to pull the seal?

Thanks.
Warwick

 

[wickware]

Re: Chrysler 55hp shift rod seal. How to?

1. I have not shown a need for a shift rod seal in the 1970 35hp but they look related.
2. I tried solar maybe way back but d/n trust not seeing the improved state as my 1970s charger shows 2 hr charge after 4-5 trips depending on how much stop and go fishing. I initially pull started to know I could in 1984-85 once. Later remember one need about mid 90s on the lake since (too much night fishing w/lights, it fired 1st loll).
3. There is lots of info in the advance search using wickware, water pump, prop seal, etc.
4. Have fun!

If this is a repeat, excuse me. Too Much Multi Tasking. LOL.