Shaft Packing for '99 X22

[thats a dagger]

Do I need to remove the shaft in order to replace the 5/16" teflon packing or can I get the job done without having to remove it?  Any ideas or suggestions?

[epic_toy]

Haven't had to do it myself, but don't think so. Check out maintenance section:

http://www.epicmarine.com/docs/repacking.pdf

[sailtl]

You do not have to remove the shaft. West Marine has a special tool to get out the old packing and the back-up washers. It takes time to change the packing but follow the directions and it will go smooth.

[curtis]

saltl,
I will doing this procedure this week and give you the difficulty level. I already have the Teflon packing.
Curtis

[SpokaneX22]

I started the job this weekend and bagged it because I thought I had to remove the shaft (and could not find the right socket...1 1/8 or 1 13/16 or 1 1/4 on the shaft coupling...).  What is the tool that removes the packing from West Marine that you mentioned?  I only found the shaft packing wrench. 

And to whomever created the document on the pcaking process...GREAT JOB!  Very easy to follow it jsut so happens that I am a little slow with manual labor...


Thanks

[sailtl]

This is from West Marine. It made the job easier in my opion, although you can can do the job without it.
   Search Terms: packing
 
6'' Flax Packing Extractor
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Manufacturer    Style
WESTERN PACIFIC TRAD -    006_190_004_526
 
Description

The easy way out.

    * Flexible, yet strong enough to do the job

Description    WM Model#    MFG Part #    Price    In Stock?    Qty
6'' Flax Packing Extractor    137620    10160     Only $19.99 USD

[SpokaneX22]

Thanks so much!  THe West Marine in town has one left...it is being discontinued...only $7 now! 
In starting the job this weekend it seemed like there was not enough room to do the work...hopefully this extractor works.

Thanks again

[thats a dagger]

Thanks boys for all your help.  You guys were right.  It's easier than you think.  Once I moved the engine cover out of the way and picked up the floor board behind the engine everything got much easier.  I actually fashioned a large paperclip into a packing and washer extractor and it worked beautifully.  I also used a small mirror to look down into the plastic housing to make sure I cleaned it out sufficiently.  The old teflon packing looked like S*** it's no wonder it was leaking so badly.  I ordered the new teflon packing and look forward to putting it all back together.

All in all it wasn't too much of a dagger.