Checkmate. How much pressure in psi and how much vacuum did you pull in inches of mercury. Thanks Tom

Formula31... are the shifter seal servicable through the rear cover or do I need to disassemble the upper gear case?

Anyone know the proper pressure/vacuum to use for testing outdrive seals... anyone?

BT

Ive never done it by itself, but I dont see why it couldnt be changed just through the back cover. How did the back cover o-ring look? Ive had those leak before. Theres only those 3 bolts holding the whole thing. Make sure the groove is good and clean and the cover is flat. If you need the instructions on getting the shifter stuff apart and back together, I could scan them and email them to you next week when I get home.

Formula31... I haven't taken the back plate off yet, but would be suprised if that was the water leaker. I believe that is probably the propshaft seal like you mentioned earlier. I'll check the seal closely none the less and let you know if I need more help on replacing the shifter seal.

Thanks,

BT

I have the same leak in the same area. Around the shift cable hook up. Same milky green oil when I removed the drive this fall. I have not yet drained the drive. Is it a tough job to replace this seal???

HI Mike, no replacing the shift shaft seal is easy, but (theres always a but) the seal might have gone bad becasue the shaft or bushings are worn making the shaf move around too much. Need to check that carefully. There not too hard to change. Tom

I bought the drive from Kaama with only about 20 hours on it (the skeg didn't and still doesn't have a scratch!!). Since then I';ve put about 80 hours on it. Think it could be worn already??

Not likely. Check to make sure the 3 bolts holding the back cover on are tight and check the back cover o-ring. My latest drives have over 400 hrs and the seal and bushing are fine. The o-rings were not. I shouldnt really call them o-rings but they are round and seal the back cover.

Formula 31... I looked on the BAM site for the exploded views of the shifter and couldn't decifer the seal that you are talking about. I'll have to take it apart and see. I have so much stuff apart now I can't hardly move, so after I get some of that back together I'll get back into the drive. Please stayed tuned. I'm sure I'll be needing more help. ;)

BT (aka Dave) :p

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_...ND+DRIVE+GEARS

Its item 10. My book has a much better picture