Lower water pump housing not same as orig......

[b.gagnon]

1989 Mercury 135hp (Sea Ray)

I figured that I would change the pump and housing due to not knowing when it was last changed....
Sierra part # 18-3319?(entire kit)
The lower housing sits deeper into the lower unit than the original, and the only way to make it fit is to remove the oil seal that is located under the original lower housing. The new lower housing looks like it is intended to do both but I don't want to risk it!
Any ideas?

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: Lower water pump housing not same as orig......

Was there ever a 2 piece lower housing?
The new unit has the same OD on the bottom as the seal, and has an o-ring... Has anyone ever replaced a lower w/p housing on a late 80's model v6?