I seem to have a leak coming thru the transom where it looks like the tiller arm comes through. Anyone ever had to replace this? I'm told that Merc sells a kit where you have to dtill into the drive to repair it? Any help would be appreciated.

What did you use to install the new bearing and seal?

2x4

Rev'd Up.

Here is a post I made a few months back about my process. There might be some helpful things in there for you regarding the Gimbal Bearing and it's orientation, specifically Post #3.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/d...questions.html

Ten to one says this is the Swivel Seal. Both of mine are leaking and I have to replace over the winter. I am not aware that Merc sells a kit where you cut out the housing but I believe you are referring to the Ron Bender kit.

Here is the website: http://www.jrmarine.com/

I have never spoken with him but EVERYONE says he is the nicest guy and nothing other than a powerboat fan interested in helping other powerboaters. His kit is available off the website, otherwise you have to pull the engines. I am most likely just going to pull my Engines to do the job.....

I had the speedo connection leaking on mine for a season checked everything until I finally found it, it would only leak when going above 30-35 mph and the water seemed to be warmer than lake water. Turns out it was spraying on the back on the engine and dripping down, there is a white plastic connection in the transom plate that the hose connects to. Just something to check Steve

The swivel seal is a common one to go, The pin is stainless and cleans right up. I have one at the shop that needs to be done as well as the bushing. Merc does sell a kit , but now you are just adding holes for more water to potentially come in at. Best just to pull the engine and do it right. If you have ext. boxes you can do it with out pulling the engine.

I have used merc's kit and I have used JR 's kit both do work very well when ALL the work is done very neatly. The merc kit has two plastic pipe plugs that are on each side of the upper transom plate housing.You have to drill and tap these holes I think it was a 1/2 inch pipe tap, Which drilling and tapping can be easily misaligned and not an easy job for a first timer. The JR kit gives you good instructions,quality hardware. The only thing that I change on the kit is the fine thread socket head screws, to course thread, Because they are easier to tap into aluminum. You can seal up this area really good and I even put another merc decal over this plate with just the socket heads showing through and most people don't even notice it until you point it out.

thats how I did mine,

speedreeder how it going?,thanks for the help when I did mine.

boatnt, Glad to see everything worked out good for you! IMO I think that the rear plate that JR has is the cleanest and the most straight forward repair that is available!!!