Lower Unit Disassembly

[stockypower]

I have oil leaking from the inside portion of the lower unit near the four bolts that hold the shaft assembly in place. I purchased a lower unit seal kit but am having a tough time removing the shaft assembly from the housing. Has anyone had success taking this apart without the recommended OMC tool?

 

[alanR1]

Re: Lower Unit Disassembly

is it the shift rod or the actual drive shaft that is stuck? if it is the drive shaft try using a mallet and tapping it while tilted down. if it is the shift rod it must be disconnected at the top by a screw holding it in place, should be under the carbs. good luck!

 

[stockypower]

Re: Lower Unit Disassembly

It is the prop shaft assembly along with the bearing housing seal assembly. I'd like to replace the inner seals. The unit is already off of the motor. thanks

 

[Solittle]

Re: Lower Unit Disassembly

Often what seems like leaking seals in the gear case is normal oil residue from incomplete combustion.<br /><br />Did you have the gearcase pressure/vacume tested? What motor do you have? Do you have a manual?

 

[stockypower]

Re: Lower Unit Disassembly

It's a 1983 Johnson 175 and I do have the service manual handy. It is definitely gear oil coming out as I have had it off the motor for a while and oil keeps seeping out. The manual calls out for the removal tool to pull out the bearing housing which I don't have access to. The oil that I dumped was milky showing me that water was getting in the case. Any thoughts? Thanks for the info.

 

[rjarreau]

Re: Lower Unit Disassembly

you do not have to have the tool they suggest. what you need is (2) 1\4 20 lenghts of all thread about 14" long and a goof harmonic balancer puller. just remove the 2 bolts and locking tabs from inside the exhaust housing where the prop goes into the motor. and screw the all thread into the two holes and install the puller, be sure to use a few washers between the nuts on the allthread and slowly pull it off. then you can change the prop seal !!!good luck !!!