Winter Project - Gearcase Maintenance

[bgiles]

Hi Guys, looking for some advice and or confirmation regarding some routine maintanance on my gear case. Engine is a 1999 225 HO J225HPLEEN. Gearcase is a custom unit by Evolution which was put on back in early 2000 I suspect. I believe the only real difference is a low water pick-up.

I'm thinking about removing the gearcase and puttting it in the basement over the winter to perform some maintenance. I have bought a new impeller to put in and figured while I have the unit in the basement for a few months I might as well change the O rings, seals gaskets etc. on the gearcase.

Question .. the impeller replacement seems straight forward and the Tips section is a great source of information for that replacement. I looked up in the parts and noticed there is a gear case seal kit (old #5000411 new # 5006373) looks like it has all sorts of O rings, gaskets etc. Is this something that I can do myself without any speciality tools ... I'm thinking maybe there is some sort of puller needed somewhere. I am quite handy and carefull when taking things apart etc and always draw diagrams etc but wasn't sure if any "special" tools are required.

One last thing .. is there anything else I should consider when I have things apart.

I'm thinking I'll winterize everything up above - powerhead - and then drain the gearcase oil and then remove the gearcase. Perform the maintenance during the winter, install it back in Spring and then add the gear lube back in.

Thanks as Always

Bruce

[gearcaseman]

Your idea is O.K., but really, if the oil does'nt have any water mixed in, I would just drain the fluid and let it sit till spring. The impeller is easy to change out, but can be frustrating. The best way is to install the impeller to the shaft and lubricate it and the inside of the housing cup with dishwashing liquid. While turning the driveshaft clockwise, simply slide the cup over the impeller and she's in.

[bgiles]

Thanks for the tip for installing the impeller, about the O rings, gaskets, seals etc. for the prop shaft. Do I need any special pullers to get the bearing housing off as the O rings are on either side.

The impeller seems straight forward but I'm not sure about changing the O rings etc. on the prop shaft, not sure about the bearing housing.


Thanks again

Bruce

[gearcaseman]

You will need a puller to remove the rear bearing carrier. A Harmonic Balancer puller can be improvised to do this. Once the carrier is out, pry out the old seals and install the new one's in the same way the old one's were situated. The other seals and gaskets are pretty easy to replace without any special tools if you're careful. The little "Fat" O-ring in the shift rod cover can be removed by fabricating a tool out of a piece of coat hanger wire, a grinder, and some needle nose pliers.

[bgiles]

Thanks again ... !!! really appreciate the help