tilt seal blew. Take it to a shop or do it myself?

[myakka]

225 optimax 2002 (s/n)ot470688
The last trip out, before yearly maintenance, the tilt seal blew out. I have the boat out of the water on stands now. Can the tilt and trim assembly be removed with out pulling the engine off the transom?
Thanks

[EuropeanAM]

In some installations, yes. However: WHICH "tilt seal blew out"? Depending on the answer- it may be quite simple to repair it IN PLACE.

[myakka]

the center one that tilts it all the way up

[myakka]

...and thanks for answering on a Sunday.

[EuropeanAM]

Thanks. Now we will need to determine which one of these accurately describes the trim system configuration on YOUR engine:

-CAST pump housing

-Removable pump housing

-PLASTIC Motor Housing.

Each has some different components- if unsure, it may help to pull up the parts diagrams on our website at: www.mercurypartsonline.net

[Slim95]

Do it your self, I rebuilt the whole system on my XB250 a couple of moths ago. A good manual and keeping everything clean. Buy replacement end caps with the seals already installed and save yourself the time and headache. You can replace most of the seals in your system with the trim system still attached. I took mine out to rebuild it completely and it would have been easier to remove the outboard then remove the trim unit.

[myakka]

Its defiantly cast.

[EuropeanAM]

Its defiantly cast.

878408A1 Repair Kit will have everything you need to reseal that system.

You could use a Shock-Rod Kit (without removing/disassembling), but they're REALLY proud of those (8M0168219).

If you're going to reseal/rebuild yours, I strongly recommend a Factory Service Manual to use as your guide, and a VERY clean work area.

[myakka]

Thanks. I'm a plumber so a clean work area is out. ;)

[digthemup]

Wow, I guess by REALLY proud, you meant violently violated, since the shock rod kit is 10x more expensive than the repair kit. I am sure its up there in price even from your store.

[EuropeanAM]

Yes, it is. There's really only 4 pieces for that "shock rod kit" in the repair kit (you're getting the piston, trail-over valves, rod, and endcap as well). Still a big "gulp"... and makes it well worth the effort to try rebuilding the system.

[digthemup]

+++1

[myakka]

Thanks for the info.