Paragon reduction gear oil leak - Seal replacement without taking shaft out?

[Oday32-CC-LA]

Quick question:

Is there a way to exchange the seal for the Paragon reduction gear without taking the shaft out? Ideally I would like to do it having the boat in the water.

It leaks oil and while not a ton, leaking oil is obviously not ideal.

Thank you all for your help and insights,
Sascha

[Al Schober]

First, try to verify that the leak is coming from the seal and not one of the lower bolts. The lower bolts will leak if they have split lock washers - should have solid washers.
You can unbolt the shaft coupling from the transmission flange, and then slide the shaft and coupling aft until the coupling hits the stuffing box. That might give you room to remove the transmission flange.
First piece forward of that carries the seal. Remove the piece, replace the seal, reinstall. During reinstall, remember that the lower bolts get solid washers, not split.

[Marian Claire]

+1. I had very little room to move the shaft aft. After marking the location of the engine mounts I unbolted them and moved the A-4 forward enough to remove the reduction gear housing. Not sure if that is an option for you.

Dan
S/V Marian Claire

[Oday32-CC-LA]

Great ideas - super helpful! Thank you!