Removing Castle Nut or Retainer Ring on a Mercruiser Alpha One Gen One Sterndrive.

[1985 Century Mustang]

I have most of the seals gaskets, and the water pump finished in the Alpha One Sterndrive. However I'm stuck, that Dam Retainer Ring/Castle Nut, which locks in the carrier bearing is a real byatch to get off. Reason is, I'm getting a gear oil leak where the prop is. And yes, The locking tab to the retainer nut was freed.
A photo is enclosed...

So far, I have soaked it for a few days with Kroil and have tapped it to get some of the penetrating oil to get into the ring. So far no luck. Tomorrow I will try the MAP Gas Torch and a good breaker bar.

Question: Has anyone had issues with this nut removal, and if you had success, can you please post any pertinent info?. I'd like to do it without destroying the retainer nut. If I have to,, I guess I'll have to.



A. P.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... One way to do it is, put some relief cuts into it, 'n bust it out,....

'course, then you need a new one to put it back together,....

If it was put together without a coating of perfect seal, they tend to grow together over time,....

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

Ayuh,..... One way to do it is, put some relief cuts into it, 'n bust it out,....

'course, then you need a new one to put it back together,....

If it was put together without a coating of perfect seal, they tend to grow together over time,....

Thanks, I'm gonna try the MAP gas tomrw. See if she gives. If not I'll go the other treacherous ways.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

@Bondo The reason I'm removing the carrier bearing is because I have a substantial gear oil leak where the propeller is. Are there any seals/ orings on the carrier bearing? If so would I need to remove the carrier bearing. I may be jumping the gun. I thought there is seals and O rings on the carrier bearing.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

Maybe I should do that pressure soap test I'm thinking. I may be wasting my time removing the carrier bearing. Why does one remove a carrier bearing anyway?

 

[nola mike]

Maybe I should do that pressure soap test I'm thinking. I may be wasting my time removing the carrier bearing. Why does one remove a carrier bearing anyway?

I thought you found the problem in the upper? Yeah, definitely pressure test before you get too deep in the weeds

 

[kenny nunez]

Put 10-15 lbs on the drive first. If the prop seals are leaking you will see it.
As Bondo said drilling 2 holes about 2” apart and chipping out the piece. Then use the tool, the sharp edge where the piece was removed will act as a thread chaser cleaning out the crud that has built up between the case and the ring. You may need heat to help along with a suitable slide hammer to remove the carrier. There is only 1 “O” ring on the carrier along with the 2 seals.
I used to have the tool that would extract the seals without pulling the carrier.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

I thought you found the problem in the upper? Yeah, definitely pressure test before you get too deep in the weeds

I did, maybe I don't have to remove this damned nut now? Good looking out for me man. I appreciate that.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

Put 10-15 lbs on the drive first. If the prop seals are leaking you will see it.
As Bondo said drilling 2 holes about 2” apart and chipping out the piece. Then use the tool, the sharp edge where the piece was removed will act as a thread chaser cleaning out the crud that has built up between the case and the ring. You may need heat to help along with a suitable slide hammer to remove the carrier. There is only 1 “O” ring on the carrier along with the 2 seals.
I used to have the tool that would extract the seals without pulling the carrier.

Can you post a picture or more info etc on that tool you posted to extract the seals?

 

[kenny nunez]

It was a 5 Star tool set made for all the popular propeller shaft sizes. I just found one for $750.00 Needless to say I cannot remember what it cost me many years ago. However it paid for itself at the time.
I was always a “special tool freak”. They pay for themselves and do not call in sick!

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

My game plan may have changed for the better I hope. I'm going to do a pressure test with soapy water on the lower end to see where the gear oil leak is coming from by the prop. If it's just the prop shaft seals, I won't be removing that dreaded retainer nut.

Question: Can I use two inner seals instead of an inner and outer. I know the outer has the fishing line cutter, but are they the same type of seal with regards to dimensions? And does that outer really cut fishing line, is it highly necessary? Your thoughts.

A. P.

 

[kenny nunez]

I would only use the genuine Mercruiser seals as replacements. In the past I have removed them very carefully by drilling a small hole and with self tapping screws and patience without damaging the shaft.
I later bought the tool.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Anything over a year or two old, I drill a few holes to the SS lock ring. chip out the small section and then remove the remains

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

Does anyone know the correct part # for the lower vertical oil shaft seal that's located in the water pocket area?

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

My game plan may have changed for the better I hope. I'm going to do a pressure test with soapy water on the lower end to see where the gear oil leak is coming from by the prop. If it's just the prop shaft seals, I won't be removing that dreaded retainer nut.

Question: Can I use two inner seals instead of an inner and outer. I know the outer has the fishing line cutter, but are they the same type of seal with regards to dimensions? And does that outer really cut fishing line, is it highly necessary? Your thoughts.

A. P.

No need to replace the prop shaft seals or the carrier bearing o ring. It passed the vacuum test w flying colors. I'm so happy I didn't have to take that castle retainer ring off. That would of been aggravating.