Replacing JW Propeller Shaft Oil Seal

[kevinrude]

I am looking to replace part #22 in the above diagram. As is typical with JWs/Lighttwins, there was fishing line wrapped around the propeller shaft and it got into the seal. Also, the grease/oil in the lower unit came out looking like a milkshake which is indicative of a leak and, given the fishing line found, this seal seems like a likely suspect.

So, how do you remove the old seal? Do I need to separate the propeller shaft and gear (part #20) from the propeller shaft bearing housing assembly (part #23) first? If so, how do I do it? Just attempting to pull the two parts apart doesn’t seem to work. I removed the shear pin (part #18) already and their doesn’t appear to be another one keeping the two parts together.

Also, the propeller shaft seal (part #22) looks like the same part as the drive shaft seal (part #5). Is it? How does part #5 get removed? Part #5 appears to be working as there was no grease/oil in the impeller housing, but figured I might was well replace both seals while I have the thing apart.

As always, thanks! I’ve worked on a number of these motors but never bothered to replace the seals before and just put up with the minimal leaking problem, but thought I’d try to do it ‘right’ this time.

[grover]

Look to see if there is a little bit of a burr or bulge around the shear pin’s hole. If a prop hits an obstruction with enough force to shear the pin, it can cause distortion of the shaft. This distortion is just enough to make the shaft jam or stick when you try to pull it out of the #23 bearing housing. Use a fine flat file to go over the shear pin hole and you will see the high spot. File it until it’s back to the original radius and the shaft will slide out easily. Then you can use a seal puller to get the seal out.

[beerman57]

Definitely replace #5 while you’re at it, and make sure the two #31’s are OK. The old ones were a fiber washer and have passed their useful life, make sure to dig it all out of the plug hole if they are shot.

[kevinrude]

quote Tubs:

Don’t forget #9 with a little lube on the shaft.

Good point, Tubs. Any idea what the ‘right’ size is for that o-ring? I was just going through my parts bin and saw that I have all kinds of different sizes. Or is this a case of anything that fits over the shaft is probably good enough?

[Tubs]

A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 6 months ago by Tubs.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 2 months ago by Tubs.

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