xr drive question
 

Hi
I have a 29 fountain with 525 efi and xr 1.5 L hand rotation drive. I just found drive oil leaking from the bellows so I pulled the drive. Input shaft seal is bad I have the new upgraded merc seal/retainer on order to fix that problem. I also found the pinion gear had chips and chunks out of it. the drive was not making any noise at all and was working fine. I have ordered a new pinion gear. My questions are

1-The upper gear set also has some minor chips out of the center area of some of the teeth. Can I swap this gear with the lower gear set that looks to be perfect and get away with just replacing the pinion gear?

2-Should I replace the pinion gear bearing set also( it appears to be in good shape and I was able to press the bearings off without damaging them.

Re: xr drive question
 

Is it worth missing a day boating? If so go ahead. I would put in all new parts since you have it apart.