Re: 1988 VIP vision 85 hp, how to replace propeller shaft seal
First drain all the lower unit oil. Now, remove the propeller. With the prop removed you will see an "anode" held on with two 1/4-20 fillister head screws (slotted). Remove the screws and the anode should just slide up, off the shaft. If it is badly corroded and stuck, tap it a bit. Below that you will see four bolts with 1/2 inch heads. Remove these bolts. Now you must pull the "spool" which holds the prop shaft bearing and seal.
Cut two long pieces of 1/4-20 threaded rod (allthread) and thread them all the way into the holes for the anode screws. Using some type of heavy steel plate with two holes spaced the same distance as the anode holes, put it over the allthread and against the propshaft. now, tighten two 1/4-20 nuts onto the allthread rods to pull out the spool.
Reach in the spool from the rear with a long bar and hammer out the seal (towards the prop end). Press or hammer in the new seal using a large socket or other circular tool to press yet not damage the seal.
When re-installing the spool, be certain to adequately line up the bolt holes before you press it in position. Also be certain that the steel semi-circular clips that hold the aluminum bearing carrier for the reverse gear are still in the grooves in the lower unit case. This is important because they hold everything together and if not correct can allow the whole prop, shaft, reverse gear, and spool to come out during reverse operation.
Tighten the four bolts to 225 inch pounds, and be sure the O ring seal and washer is on each bolt and in good condition. If in doubt, replace. If you don't have or can't get a torque wrench, go grunt tight on the bolts.
Re-attach the anode and put on the prop. Fill the lower unit with oil again.
This CAN be done with the lower unit on the engine, but the procedure is much easier with the lower unit off and in a big vice. Figure about an hour or two time-wise.