Front seal

[Badger Fan]

Does anyone know how hard it is to change the front seal in a Alpha One outdrive upper gearcase? Or what tools would be needed, how long it will take a first timer, is there a need to change the bearings also?

[Tech Support]

Badger Fan,

While it is not a terribly difficult job, it does require several hundred dollars of specialty tools. You would need a Mercury spanner wrench for the retainer, a dial torque wrench in 0-15 in/lbs to check rolling torque during reassembly of the bearings after replacing the seal, a bearing seperator and press to get it apart, and a Mercury shim tool to check gear clearance during reassembly along with a set of extra long feeler gages in .020" to .030". With the unit apart you can check the bearings to see if they spin smooth and decide to replace or not. You should purchase a manual to see if you want to tackle the job. With the upper drive on a bench you are looking at 2-4 hours labor.

[Badger Fan]

Badger Fan,

While it is not a terribly difficult job, it does require several hundred dollars of specialty tools. You would need a Mercury spanner wrench for the retainer, a dial torque wrench in 0-15 in/lbs to check rolling torque during reassembly of the bearings after replacing the seal, a bearing seperator and press to get it apart, and a Mercury shim tool to check gear clearance during reassembly along with a set of extra long feeler gages in .020" to .030". With the unit apart you can check the bearings to see if they spin smooth and decide to replace or not. You should purchase a manual to see if you want to tackle the job. With the upper drive on a bench you are looking at 2-4 hours labor.

Thank you!