Mercury Mark 5 Oil Seal

[Rex Perry]

I have a 1955 Mercury Mark 5 in the process of replacing the water pump impeller. I need to replace the oil seal p/n 26-22736 located in the lower drive shaft housing.
This seal is located directly below the water pump housing. The water pump housing must be removed to access the oil seal but it is not obvious how that should be done.
Any suggestions on how to remove the water pump housing and the oil seal would be greatly appreciated. Pictures are attached.
Thanks,

[dave-bernard]

it parts collapes the outer ring then the bottom will fall out. so get the parts before you start.

[Rex Perry]

If I am reading your response correctly, you are saying to remove the water pump housing, you collapse the sides inward and then remove the pieces. This will obviously expose the oil seal underneath but will result in the destruction of the pump housing. Am I reading your response correctly?
Is there a way to remove the water pump housing without destroying it?
Thanks for the response.

[dave-bernard]

1 you are reading it correct.
2 not that I know of.

[jeff-register]

I think what Dave means is yes to getting it out. I have had the same problem with Firestone motors & destroyed the housing. I decided to try some heat around the aluminum to expand the metal around the impeller housing. I found with ScottAtwater they glued the impeller housing to the base of the gearcase & heat released it. Remember this was a totally different brand of motor too. Just a suggestion as there is no repacements for Firestone. Good luck & someone may have a better method.
Jeff

[Rex Perry]

Jeff and Dave,
Thank you for your comments. I will need to look for a replacement pump housing or try to figure out some other approach.
The task continues…
Thanks,

[Rex Perry]

For those who may be faced with this same problem, I offer what I have done to solve it.
The oil seal is located in the lower drive shaft housing below the water pump housing. It is possible to use a small punch or other tool thru the opening in the pump housing, to catch the edge of the seal. Working around the edge will drive the seal out. The seal is not very thick, maybe .18 to .25 inch.
This seal cannot be pressed out by pushing toward the water pump. It is installed in a boss machined into the drive shaft housing.
The seal and the water pump housing are separated by a spacer that appears to be pressed in place.
Try not to destroy the water pump housing. I don’t think that there are many of those around.

[billw]

The water pump cup is probably locked in there with corrosion but you could TRY this: Heat that aluminum housing up pretty toasty with a propane torch. You’ll need heat resistant gloves. Then quickly bang the housing down on a piece of heavy oak or the like, with the idea of the cup coming out from it’s own inertia. I do this all the time with bearing races and it works almost every time. I don’t know about a little water pump cup, though.

Long live American manufacturing!

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