Best way to install shift shaft O ring in OMC

[billy-j]

Working on 1958 Johnson 18 HP. . I have to reseal lower unit. Opinions on best way to seal shift shaft O ring. Have seen here in the past some say to tap brass bushing in over O ring then work shift shaft thru the O ring. Others say assemble O ring, brass bushing tapped in loose then put shift shaft thru O ring and bushing then tap brass bushing with pipe to seat O ring checking fit of O ring to shaft. Can these O rings be set to tight for shaft to work properly?

[frankr]

Yes, it is possible to mash it in so tight that it becomes stiff. Actually, with the correct OEM seal, it has plenty of squeeze without mashing it down .

[need2fish]

I count on that extra squeeze so I don’t have to pound the bushing all the way to the bottom. WIth the extra squeeze, next time I’m in the L/U to replace the impeller, I give the bushing a couple of taps so it compresses the o–ring a bit to make up for wear.

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