Replacing the seal in the lower unit

[Freedomman]

I have a 1979 Merc. 50hp and I thik the seal is shot on the propellar shaft the lower unit was full of mostly water when I went to change it and would like to know how difficult is it to replace. I do have the repair manual for the motor but I did not want to get to carried away if it is something that only a professional should be doing?

[minneman]

I own a 35 merc, Thought ID save some money and do it myself, Turns out I wrecked the bearring carrier trying to pry out the outer seal, long story short, If you dont have the right tools, dont do it...

[REW]

The best way to save yourself some money, is to use your manual and take off the lower unit. Then take the lower unit for them to replace the seals, water pump, and check over the gears and bearings. Because you are bringing in only the lower unit - it takes up less space and saves them a great deal of time; they can normally get right on it for servicing.

After checking over the lower unit and bringing it up to grade; they will pressure, and vacuum test it and warrent the work.

Then you can pick up the lower unit, and pop it back on your motor. In general, this will save you over $100 of r & r labor.

Take care

REW