How to Replace Mercury Tracker 25EL Prop Shaft Seals
Leaking oil seals at the prop shaft means oil is escaping from your Mercury outboard’s lower unit, and is also a sign that water is getting into it, so replacing those seals is a high priority.
Watch the video above and follow the steps below to replace the prop shaft oil seals on a Mercury Tracker 25EL outboard motor.
Tools and Parts – Mercury Tracker 25 Output Seal Replacement
- Ratchet and 5/16th socket
- 19mm, 22mm impact sockets
- Hammer
- Torque wrench
Replacing Mercury Tracker 25EL Prop Shaft Seals
Step 1. Remove the propeller, and clean out the prop shaft housing with contact/brake cleaner.
Step 2. Remove the three 5/16th inch bolts securing the retaining plate and O-ring, followed by the retaining plate and O-ring.
Step 3. Use a Mercury carrier tool to remove the bearing carrier assembly.
NOTE: The assembly has a reverse thread, so turn it clockwise to remove it.
Step 4. Remove the prop shaft and the reverse gear from the bearing carrier assembly, and secure the assembly in a vice.
Step 5. Remove the inner and outer oil seals from the bearing carrier assembly.
Step 6. Apply a small amount of red threadlocker to the outside of the new oil seals.
Step 7. Install the inner oil seal into the bearing carrier assembly. Use a 19mm impact socket to drive the seal 1/8th of an inch beyond the lower lip inside the assembly.
Step 8. Install the outer oil seal into the bearing carrier assembly. Use a 22mm impact socket to drive the seal 1/8th of an inch beyond the upper lip inside the assembly.
Step 9. Pack the inside of the bearing carrier assembly between the oil seals with marine grease.
Step 10. Reinstall the prop shaft into the prop shaft housing.
Step 11. Reinstall the reverse gear into the bearing carrier assembly, then reinstall the assembly into the prop shaft housing.
Step 12. Use the Mercury carrier tool to torque the bearing carrier assembly to 80 foot-pounds.
NOTE: The assembly has a reverse thread, so turn it counterclockwise to tighten it.
Step 13. Lightly grease the new O-ring, and install it into the prop shaft housing.
Step 14. Reinstall the retaining plate and the three 5/16th bolts.
Step 15. Reinstall the propeller and you’re done.
