shift shaft seal leak?

[cfelton]

Thanks fellas, its an alpha one cause it dosent have the pin on top of the pinion shaft. It sounds like its ok, I was kinda worried. Ill replace all the parts and seals in the top end, that should take care of it. When I took it apart , the seal right below the water pump base had poped up and out. thats where the leak was. Im glad I ask you all first! Thanks for all your tips and advice!!

[spareparts]

couple of other things for you. Make sure you find the o-ring that is on the end of the drive shaft, if it stays up in the upper unit, you'll never get the lower back on. Take a flash light and inspect the seals in the bottom of the lower unit where the drive shaft goes while you aer looking for the o-ring. When you install teh new base, wrap some electrical tape(about three wraps) over the o-ring grove on teh drive shaft, it will prevent the grove from catching the seals on the water pump base when you install it(remember to take the tape off after your done). Put some sealant or lube on the base when you install it, I use Mercruiser pefect seal, don't use silicone, use just need somethign to keep the o-ring from pinching. Once you have teh base down, you should be able to seat it by just pushing down on it, if its a little hard, I slide a piece of pipe over the shaft and tap the base in place. Again, make sure you use the correct gaskets, they give you way to many in that kit

[cfelton]

I got it in the garage yesterday and replaced everything from the pinion bearing up. I also replaced the shift shaft bushing and seal. It was'nt bad at all. Thanks Spare and Ferm for all your tips and advice. I left it trimed up all nite and all day and no leaks!! Hopefully Ill take it out this weekend and seatrial it.