How to Tighten the Shaft Seal on a V-Drive

The v-drive is a transmission section of a boat engine which shifts the direction of the shaft to help the boat back up. The shaft seal helps prevent water from flooding the engine. A slow, steady drip is normal and actually helps lubricate the shaft. However, it must be tightened if it is dripping too steadily. Tightening the shaft seal is a relatively simple process that requires getting access to the inside of your boat engine.

Things You'll Need

  • Phillips screw driver
  • Tupperware container with lid
  • Needle nose pliers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the screws around the engine cover using your screw driver. Place the screws in your Tupperware container to keep them safe. Seal up the container. Remove the engine cover and place it to the side.

    • 2

      Find your v-drive shaft seal and look for the thin nut along the shaft near the transom. This is the lock nut.

    • 3

      Open your pliers and clench the lock nut with the pliers ends. Squeeze the pliers tightly until you have a firm grip on the nut.

    • 4

      Turn your pliers and the nut clockwise or to the right to tighten the lock nut. Tighten the lock nut until the dripping slows considerably or until you cannot safely tighten it anymore.

    • 5

      Replace your engine cover and screw it back into place with your screw driver and screws.