1985 Mercury 25HP XD Water Pump- Shift Shaft Boot Leakage

[PlaneNout55]

I have owned this motor since new. Many repairs over the years. Runs terrific the last couple of years. Something I noticed last summer (2022). When operating engine, I noticed cooling water shooting out around the shift shaft just above the gear housing. It is spraying out around where the shift shaft boot should be sealing this from happening. I was wondering if this is unusual. Do I need to remove the lower unit and replace the impeller, O ring, water tube seal, shift shaft boot, etc.? It hasn't seemed to affect anything. The cooling water telltale is putting out water just fine. I would appreciate a knowledgeable opinion.

 

[harmanoff]

mine did this when i replaced the impeller, i put on 2 O-rings that shouldn't have been there, took them off and had to make a new gasket but works like it should now. Id check the impeller area first

 

[PlaneNout55]

Your advise appears sound. Thanks.

 

[harmanoff]

Id be curious how it goes! so update me! The hardest part i had was getting the shaft back in.