Changing Prop Seals

Any oily fluid dripping from your boat's motor is worrisome and requires investigation. If the fluid is milky and dripping from the propeller, it's usually outdrive fluid, which indicates that the prop seals are faulty and leaking fluid. The seals wrap around the spinning prop and, over time, wear out. In addition, fishing line that wraps around the propeller works its way to the seals and ultimately damages them. Changing the seals is a fairly easy procedure but may take as long as an hour.

Things You'll Need

  • 12-inch Piece of wood
  • Screwdriver
  • Socket wrench with 1-1/16-inch socket
  • Rubber mallet (optional)
  • New seal
  • Marine grease
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wedge a piece of wood between the prop blade and the motor. This keeps the propeller from turning as you unscrew the various parts.

    • 2

      Bend back the tabs on the lock washer with the screwdriver. These tabs hold the prop nut in place.

    • 3

      Remove the prop nut with the ratchet wrench. Remove the lock washer and set both pieces in a safe place. Remove the block of wood.

    • 4

      Pull the propeller from the prop shaft. If the propeller is stuck, gently hit it with a rubber mallet to loosen it.

    • 5

      Pry the old seals off the shaft with the screwdriver. Remove and discard. Remove any fishing line that's tangled around the shaft and discard.

    • 6

      Slide the new seal down the prop shaft and into place. Press the screwdriver into the seal to make sure the seal's seated securely.

    • 7

      Coat the prop shaft with marine grease and slide the propeller back into place. Replace the lock washer and the prop nut. Tighten the prop nut with your fingers.

    • 8

      Steady the propeller with the block of wood and tighten the prop nut with the ratchet wrench. Bend the tabs on the lock washer into place.