fixing an oil leak on a merc

[jbecker906]

I bought this boat('72 Reinell)with a Merc Model I gear housing. Found some issues: water circulation and is very hard to shift. So far I've replaced the impeller, o-rings and seals on the drive shaft, and now I'm trying to do the same with the bearing carrier on the propeller shaft. It won't come out! Is it threaded or just an extremely tight fit? I have tried heating it, hitting it and using a modified pulley remover (Auto Zone does not have Merc tools), but I'm afraid that I'm already putting too much force on the shaft. Someone please help!

 

[achris]

Re: fixing an oil leak on a merc

The bearing carrier is held in by a threaded cover. Usually the easiest way to remove it is by drilling 1/4" holes through it in 3 locates around it and knocking the pieces out. Careful not to drill through the lock tab and into the bearing carrier. The bearing carrier will then slide out (with A LOT of help). Usually have to heat the casing up in 2 locates on each side. Being careful not to melt the aluminium of course. One near the end of the housing and the other slightly forward of the exhaust cavity. <br /><br />Chris.............

 

[jbecker906]

Re: fixing an oil leak on a merc

Thanks Chris....I am down to the bearing carrier...tried heating the housing as you suggested. This thing is really stuck. Two or three things I may have wrong: (1)I'm using a make-shift puller using a modified pully remover. Should I invest (ouch!)in a merc tool? (2)The manual calls for pump removal first. I did not want to damage my new seals and o-rings by dragging them off and back on the drive shaft, so I chose to ignore this step. Dumb idea? Also (3) I am a little gun shy about too much heat and too much force from the puller since the prop drive shaft gets the direct for of the puller.<br /><br />Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.<br />thanks - Jim

 

[rodbolt]

Re: fixing an oil leak on a merc

hello<br /> I use the J pullers from OMC. precision tool also makes a good puller. here in the salt pond we also use generous amounts of oxy/acetylyne. I have also been known to pull the carriers in half on yamaha and merc carriers. its part of the salt water game.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[achris]

Re: fixing an oil leak on a merc

Jim,<br /><br />I use the philosophy of "go in fast, hit it hard and get out fast" when dealing with gear housings. The idea is to heat the housing fast enough for it to expand and before the heat can soak through to the carrier (so it doesn't expand). Not removing the pump won't have any effect on the ease of removal of the carrier. The amount of pressure to put on the prop shaft is: "enough to get the carrier out". If you consider the amount of force the engine is putting on it, then you see that it would be very hard for you to get anywhere near that. And you're putting it in the same direction as the prop does.<br /><br />As for heating aluminum, get some old scrap and start heating it. Watch carefully and you'll see, just before it becomes a puddle on the ground, it get a 'crazed' appearance. Just before this point is where you should stop heating. I know it's easy to say that, and much harder to put into practice. 'Bout all I can say now is good luck and happy heating.<br /><br />Chris............

 

[jbecker906]

Re: fixing an oil leak on a merc

Thanks guys, for the input. I should confess that seal and o-ring replacement is a shot-gun approach....because I knew my impeller was shot, there was no need to test anything before replacing seals and o-rings, since I was going in anyway. But now seems like a good time to take a step back - an $85 puller is one thing, but I may have some trouble convincing my wife that (buying) a hotter torch can be used to build oak furniture or install wood floors... differing priorities. Last night I pressure tested the lower housing with air and soapy water. No leaks on the prop shaft at all. But above 15 lbs, I got bubbles around the shift shaft. This is a start, but I figure I need to remove the impellar assembly to check the drive shaft. I will try doing the same to the upper but am not so certain about how to inspect and would like someone to confirm the test pressure. Again, any ideas are appreciated.