I finished the job. I answered most of my own questions. I hope that
this helps the next guy

kipmc4 wrote:
I have an OMC outdrive on an 87 Wellcraft. It has just 1 switch for
tilt/trim and it is on the throttle. There is no seperate tilt switch.
There is a leak in one of the rams ( we call them actuators in
aerospace).

I'd like some advice on replacing the seals myself if possable

The end caps have 4 holes to fit the tool used to remove them and I
suppose I can just put studs in the holes and use a spanner wrench to
remove them.

Here are my questions:

1) How difficult is the job?

Easy except getting the wiper seal out see below

2) Where can I find the right spanner wrench?

I made one: Used a suspension pry bar with two "forks" Marked
the location and drilled 2 1/4 in holes then inserted 2 1/4 pins. The
end cap came out easily.

3) If the out drive does not stay up, does that mean that the actuator
piston seal is leaking instead of the seal at the end cap?

I think the rod seal was leaking. If the piston seal was leaking
fluid would not leak externaly


4) How many seals are there?

The seal kit has whatever seals you need for my OMC had 1 piston seal
and 2 backup rings for the piston, 1 shaft seal and a wiper seal both
in the end cap. The wiped seal is press fit into the end cap and a pain
to extract.


5) I have heard that sometimes a torch is needed to (gently) heat up
the cylinder get the end cap out. Any thoughts on that?

No. getting the end cap out was easy with my custom tool. Getting
out the wiper took lots of prying and taping with a small screwdriver.
No torch was used.

6) How complex is the bleed procedure after replacing the seals?


Just raise and lower the OD a few times


7) Should I be able to raise the outdrive by hand after turning the
bypass screw?

Not sure. This is still a problem. it wont raise by hand?


Thanks very much.