Merc Trim/Tilt Leak

[guitarplaya39]

I have a '94 Merc 75 ELPTO with a leak in the power trim/tilt cylinder. It's visually leaking from the top of the casing where the rod enters (sorry, not savvy on the technical terms). Now, after a lengthy outing it will be about 5-10cc low on fluid and the tilt starts to struggle halfway raised. The boat is a 17' shallow V, and I have to adjust the trim often when planing depending on speed - this results in more fluid loss.
How difficult is it to replace the seals on a unit like this? I'm not trying to dump a bunch of money into this (of course lol) so refilling it after every couple trips or so isn't a huge deal as long as it doesn't get any worse.

 

[guitarplaya39]

I've looked up some info on replacing the seals and have ordered a seal kit. I found one thing in the service manual that has me a little confused though. Pertaining to the check ball assembly. I've seen that I need to remove the plate and springs/balls in order to access the spanner wrench holes to take it off the piston rod. The manual has conflicting information on the removal. Can anyone clarify?

Thanks!

 

[The Force power]

I think they mean; do not use the hole for the check-ball when using the spanner wrench

 

[guitarplaya39]

I think they mean; do not use the hole for the check-ball when using the spanner wrench

I can see where it might seem like they're saying that in the caution note, but I edited the highlighting on the service manual page so the words aren't blocked.
Maybe they're referring to other components besides the screws/springs/balls?