How hard is it to install the seals?

[msotelo]

I have a 1983 115 hp Evinrude that had water in mixed in with the gear lube in the lower unit. I've never worked on an outboard before, but I'm pretty good at working on cars, plus I just bought the service manual, so I think I can manage. The reason I want to install the seals myself is that I called this place, and the guy there told me it was $85 for the seals plus 4 hours labor at $75 an hour. I have a coworker that told me that $400 is an outrageous price and that he has replaced the seals on his Johnson and that it's really not that hard at all if you follow the manual to the letter. What do you guys recommend I do? All advice is welcome and appreciated.<br /><br />Mauricio

 

[rterrian]

Re: How hard is it to install the seals?

I would read the manual and see if I understood all that pertain to the job at hand. And if I did I would tackle it and get it done. If I ran into a problem I would buy a six pack of my friends favorate beer and have him stop over for a drink and a little help. <g>

 

[DJ]

Re: How hard is it to install the seals?

msotelo,<br /><br />Before I tackled the job, I'd want to make absolutely sure I'm doing something that needs to be done.<br /><br />How did you verify the L/U leak?

 

[rterrian]

Re: How hard is it to install the seals?

If you want to go to the trouble, you can fill it with new lube and then take it out and run it a good while (water won't hurt it that fast ) and then let it set out of the water overnight and then losen the lower screw a little and see if water comes out. Turn the screw out until you see water or lube leak out. If it's water that comes first you need to reseal it. if lube come first you don't have a problem.

 

[Solittle]

Re: How hard is it to install the seals?

boater2 can save you some pain if it works out. Replace the o rings or seals on the gear oil fill and vent screws as they are often the only problem.

 

[Solittle]

Re: How hard is it to install the seals?

Also no need to post your question multiple times.

 

[msotelo]

Re: How hard is it to install the seals?

Sorry about the multiple posts, guys. I have a crappy server and I thought I wasn't getting through. I just finished filling up the lower unit with gear lube and I am going to the lake as soon as I get off work this morning. I have all night to read the manual. I will change the fill/drain plug seals or o rings tomorrow if possible (if there's a place open that will have them. If it turns out that is the problem, great, if not, well it'll be time to start learning the ropes about maintenance on my outboard. If all else fails I'll just buy my buddy the beer and have him help me out. Thanks so much for your advice, fellas. I feel great about taking on that lower unit now.<br />Regards,<br />Mauricio

 

[DJ]

Re: How hard is it to install the seals?

msotelo,<br /><br />I would just about bet it's the fill/drain plug seals.<br /><br />Even if it turns out it is not, I would do anything until I found out which seal is leaking. A vacuum/pressure test will tell you that.<br /><br />You may find it's just one seal that is easy to get to.

 

[msotelo]

Re: How hard is it to install the seals?

Thanks again, djohns19. I'll do that test, I've read up on it, and it turns out my brother-in-law has a vacuum pump I can use. But, I'll have to do it on Sunday, I've got to go catch some bass tomorrow. I know one thing is for sure and that is that I'll be a hell of a lot happier working on my outboard after catching a bunch of largemouths. Thanks again for some great advice.