Yanmar SD20 Saildrive oil seal replacement problem

[Zoid]

Hey everyone, I'm in the midst of replacing the oil seals on my Yanmar SD20 saildrives and have gotten through the hard part, or so I thought. For anyone that has done this before, what is the best way to actually get the seals out. They don't seem to want to budge. Shouldn't they come out fairly easy with some pliers or something? Mine don't seem to want to move. Maybe I'm being too gentle considering this is the first time I've done this, but I thought I'd check before I damaged anything trying to remove them. Any advice?

[Sailorman Ed]

Zoid,
it has been a while but I think I just pushed them out from the other side. Often used a socket to tap on with a hammer for seals. Or use a wide flat blade screwdriver and keep working around the diameter. It will come out.

Also check the shaft where the seals rub to make sure it is not worn. If so, try to push the new seals in slightly less so the actual seal wears in a new unworn location.
Ed

[Zoid]

I just got them loose. I was being too gentle I think. And you know what tool helped the most? A paint can key. It has that curved edge so I could slip it into the gap then tap it with a rubber hammer. Glad it is out!