1960 Mercury 400e lower unit seals and impeller replacement.

[Captain Nino]

I picked up a merc 400 with great spark and compression but leaky seals in the lower. I ordered the seals and impeller but I want to make sure I do the job right. As I recall the motor must be in forward before I drop the lower... Is this correct? Also should I just pry the seals out or what? I have never done the seals before so any help would be hot. Thanx.

 

[racerone]

It does not have to be in forward gear to drop the lower unit.. ---You just need to make sure lower unit and control are in the same gear when you re-assemle.--------Inspect seal surfaces on those carbon steel shafts.

 

[merc850]

Remove the oil screws and drain the gear lube first
You're going to need the bearing carrier removal tool to access the prop shaft seals if they're leaking so, you can buy one or take the unit to a dealer and have them remove it; the bearing carrier might be held in by corrosion so I would sit it - propshaft vertical and soak it with a penetrating oil for a while.
Do not pull out shift shaft but you can remove and replace the bushing assembly.