OMC Shiftrod "O" rings

[Big Daddy]

Does anybody have a trick for replacing the "O" ring seal on the lower unit shift rod on OMC outboards? I usually can get the old ones out fairly easily, but putting the new one back in is another story. I have removed the brass bushing on the motors so equipped and that makes "O" ring replacement easier but I usually damage the bushing and have to replace it.

 

[12Footer]

Re: OMC Shiftrod "O" rings

Get a can of STP or assembly lube. Coat the O-ring with it. Find a socket or tube that matches the circumference.<br />I use a set of T46 aircraft alluminum tubes (from my ham radio days. I have asst sizes, and they make great seal pounder-inners.<br />I use a rubber mallet on the larger ones,but hand tap the smaller ones in.

 

[Big Daddy]

Re: OMC Shiftrod "O" rings

Thanks for the information 12footer. The problem I have is inserting the "O" rings down inside the hole in the lower unit where the shift rod passes through. I have to flatten the "O" ring with pliers, push it into the hole and then working from the top and bottom, try to get it turned so it drops into the machined out slot where it belongs. Sometimes I can do one in a few minutes but I have spent hours on some. I thought there might be a trick that someone knows to save me some aggravation.

 

[12Footer]

Re: OMC Shiftrod "O" rings

Oh..I get it. Sorry. Still, the assembly lube is some sticky stuff, and may help hold it in place while inserting the shiftrod.<br />My father showed me a neat rick for starting screws and small retainers. Rub a good amount of bee's wax on the screwdriver,then stick the screw on the end. It works lie a champ.

 

[hondon]

Re: OMC Shiftrod "O" rings

That bushing will get damaged on the way out ,but taking it out is the only time effective way of replacing that fat ,seemingly simple ,oring.Use a piece of 1/4 all thread with a nut with the corners ground off to pull the bushing out the top.Then place the washer ,oring ,and bushing with locktite on it, and reverse the procedure from the bottom.Seat the bushing finally with a 7/16 socket on an extension.

 

[Big Daddy]

Re: OMC Shiftrod "O" rings

Thanks Hondon for the advise. Sounds like a home made puller arrangement. Good idea. I will try it on the next lower unit seal job. I will have to start stocking the brass bushings. They aren't that costly for the time saved.