Evinrude 4443 Fleetwin shift rod seals

[Buccaneer]

I’m trying to get the upper shift rod seal removed from
the pump body. The diagram shows a retaining washer
and seal. I tried prying the washer out with a punch
but it didn’t budge. Then tried screwing a long #10
machine screw into the washer then pry it out,
but still didn’t move. Then wondered if I could drive
the whole thing out from the bottom, but my rod
stopped about 1/2" short of the washer, so not sure
if I was taping on the seal assembly or part of the
housing, and I didn’t want to bust it apart. 😮
The washer looks pretty thick, and I can’t tell if there is an
O-ring below it or other type of seal.
The bottom shift rod seal that goes between the two
housings was just a flat rubber washer. Perhaps
I could put an O-ring there.
Anyone have experience replacing the upper shift
rod seal on these model Fleetwins, or have info
from a service manual that tells how?
The 4447 that I also have apart looks the same as
far as the seal.
Thanks!

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Prepare to be boarded!

[outbdnut2]

Heat on the outside of the housing around the seal and retaining washer with a propane torch may help you to get it pried out with a screwdriver. I find heat works great for removing driveshaft seals at the top of RD gearcases, allowing a screwdriver to loosen it without much trouble – I think it may work here too.
Dave

[Goman]

For the lower unit I found a grommet in the plumbing section and cut it in half. The "stem" part of the grommet fit down the hole and left the washer part on top. It seemed to fit good. All I remember about the other seal is sliding a rubber washer with epoxy up the greased shift rod and it seemed to hold but I wouldn’t bet on it in the long run.

[Buccaneer]

Thanks for the tips. Will try some heat tomorrow.
Am curious to see what’s under that retainer washer.
Hopefully it doesn’t burn up before I find out, lol.
Maybe I could rig up my slide hammer to the
washer some how if necessary.

Prepare to be boarded!

[Mumbles]

I tried zooming in to see if it was swaged in place but I ran out of pixels!

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[Buccaneer]

Just a little blurry Mumbles 😀
I don’t remember seeing any swag.
Perhaps it’s like a tapered plug,
or has some good sealant on it!

Prepare to be boarded!

[Buccaneer]

Was able to remove the so call "retainer washer" and
o-ring for the upper shift rod seal. Used a little heat
and a slide hammer with a screw bit in it.
The washer in actuality is about 1/4" thick
with a hole in it for the shift rod. It may be
slightly tapered. The affair can NOT be
driven out from the bottom.
Of course, the o-ring needed was not one
the size in my o-ring kit, so I had to improvise.
Have the lower unit, gear case, etc. all bolted
together now, and am attempting to adjust the
shift rod so everything functions correctly.

Prepare to be boarded!

[Author]

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