1985 Merc 115ELPT - lower crank bearing seal loose

[gfoyle44]

Hi guys - my first posting (and my first outboard repair). Engine serial number A128229. I just finished rebuilding the carbs, fuel pump, lower unit. The engine has good compression. Just putting the LU back on and ready for the water - Ha Ha.

I just replaced shift seal and impeller in lower unit. While trying to reinstall I could not get the drive shaft back in the crank splines. I tried various ways to get it to line up but to avail. I pulled the unit off and looked up the shaft to the crank and there is what I believe to be the carrier assembly/lower crank sesal (part 54196A 6) lying loose between the upper housing and the crank shaft splines. It is what is blocking the drive shaft from going back in.
I haven't seen this referenced before in the forum.
How is this held in place? Is it common for this to come loose? Any thoughts why it would happen?
Is this a huge job to pull upper housing and get at this part?

 

[gfoyle44]

Re: 1985 Merc 115ELPT - lower crank bearing seal loose

OK it is the Carrier assembly that apparently keeps the splines clean. Apparently it is pretty common to have these pop out. I am pulling the powerhead so I can get at it and reinstall with loctite.

While I have the head off I am replacing the cylinder block gasket as I have a small leak by the #6 plug. I did do the spark plug "trick" using silicone and that worked but any time you remove the plug it needs to be done again.

1. I understand that the cover bolts have a tendency to snap off. Any precautions to take in removing them? Motor is strictly freshwater and clean.
2. Anything else I should check while the powerhead is off? I know pulling the motor apart never ends but I would like to get it back in the water before the snow files. The cylinder compressions range from 112-118 so that appears OK.

 

[Dgfrank2]

Re: 1985 Merc 115ELPT - lower crank bearing seal loose

Hi , my Mercury 150 05 crank seal is loose too , cant get the lower unit back in place cause is blocking , any ideas on how to put that seal back without removing the power head ? , I've heard that with a dowel rod and a piece of hose attached to it could get that seal back in place