SD50 Oil Seal Replacement

[DesOwen]

Hi, I have an SD50, three years old and the oil in the sail drive gear box has started to allow water in and the oil emulsifies as soon as the gearbox is used (following new oil).

I believe the oil seal needs replacing and I purchased one and asked the local dealer to fit it for me. I explained that they will need the right tool to extract the shaft assembly and initially they said they didn't want to do the work because "they might break the casing". I couldn't find anyone to do this work so ended up putting the boat back in the water and the leak continued.

It now seams worse so I must get the work done. I asked the dealer again if they would do the work and eventually they reluctantly said they would try and this work is scheduled for 28th April and it will cost me more money to have the boat lifted again.

The purpose of my post (my first on this forum) is to seek proper expert advice on the best way to help the dealer get the shaft assemply off without damaging the drive leg because to replace it will cost £4000 (about $6000). I have spoken to Barrus (UK Yanmar distributor) but they weren't really able to help except to say that the dealer should do the work. I believe that a slide hammer is needed but the dealer hasn't convinced me that they have the right tool. Can you advise please?

The engine leg did suffer some corrosion pitting because of a poor quality marina but the shaft assembly area looks ok but the whole casing has been painted over with epoxy paint meaning that I shall need to chip away at the joint between the assembly and the casing otherwise it won;t help the extraction.

Is there anything anyone can tell me that will help please? Any special tool I should try and locate? Any special tricks to getting at the oil seal?

Des Owen