Lower Unit Oil Below Impeller Leaks Oil - 97 Yamaha S150TXRV

[BoatMon345]

Hello,

I have my 97 Yamaha 150 (S150TXRV) lower end off to change the impeller, and while I was at it I changed the lower unit oil. What came out was very black oil. I pumped full of new oil, then just for kicks I turned the entire lower unit upside-down to see if any oil leaked from the input shaft seal below the impeller. Well it did leak a little.

I assume that this is not suppose to leak, right? Does this mean I should replace the oil seal? And if so, is it just a matter of prying the old seal out and the pushing the new seal in?

Thanks for any guidance.

[Sequoiha]

You are correct, instead of prying the seal out, remove the 4 bolts and pry out the seal carrier, then change the seal, this way you don't scar the drive shaft sealing surface.

[99yam40]

also measure the depth the 2 seals are set into the housing before removing if you do not have the proper Yamaha tool for reinitialization

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Its not unusual for them to fail over time, even if flushed. Pay attention to the direction of the seals before yanking them out.

Plus 1 on pulling the 4 bolts and just pull that block out for the seal relacement.

[rodbolt17]

ooowww ell no.
just rip them suckers out and whack sumptin in.

actually, your going to need to pull the seal carrier, carefully pull the seals.
clean the seal bore. reinstall new seals with both springs up to the correct depth.
install a new carrier oring and reassemble.
yes Virginia, its that simple.

I do it almost daily.

I do have the correct seal install tool so I don't have to measure it, but I have.

same seal and carrier since about 1984.

[BoatMon345]

Thanks. I mistakenly purchased 2 aftermarket seals ("Pro Marine #2035") instead of genuine Yamaha branded. Would it be best to get the Yamaha branded seals?

Also, is there any trick to prying the seal carrier out? I removed all 4 bolts but cannot get the seal carrier to budge.

Thanks so much.

[rodbolt17]

now is when careful application of the oxy/acetlyne rig a brass bar and a hammer comes into play.

[BoatMon345]

Oh.
Let me back up. Along with a little fluid leakage when I turn the lower unit upside-down, I noticed the tiny round spring in the upper seal is in pieces and therefore not putting tension on the seal like I assume it should. Maybe all that needs to be done is to replace that spring to restore the tension of the seal against the shaft...?

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Oh.
Let me back up. Along with a little fluid leakage when I turn the lower unit upside-down, I noticed the tiny round spring in the upper seal is in pieces and therefore not putting tension on the seal like I assume it should. Maybe all that needs to be done is to replace that spring to restore the tension of the seal against the shaft...?

It means the seal needs replacement. There's another seal under that, exactly the same spring.

Can you just put another spring on it, its your engine, sure. Rubber wears out too..

IMO, its not worth ruining your lower unit cutting that corner...

That spring broke on my engine(no water intrusion) when the engine was about 4 years old-normal wear and tear. Had both replaced...

[BoatMon345]

Just a followup post...

I had a lot of trouble trying to get that seal carrier out.

I put a new spring on the upper seal, turned the entire unit upside down, and it no longer leaked fluid from around the seal. I was satisfied with this solution, and I put it all back together.