Prop Shaft Seal?

I know that over the years line can get tangled and ruin a prop shaft seal. Of course all of us guys stop immediately and untangle the line just before we go crashing into the rock pile right? Well here is my question should this seal be changed as part of general maintenance on the motor?

If so I have a Mercury Optimax and if you take the prop off there is a threaded locking device that you bend tabs back and unscrew it from the housing. Well then what. It didn’t seem like anything was going to just come out so I could get to that seal.

Any insight?

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over the years line can get tangled and ruin a prop shaft seal.

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I really does NOT take too long for monofilament to eat away a shaft seal. I know some folks who pull their prop, and check it twice a year.
Am sure someone will give you good info on your Merc ques.
Jack..

it can eat a seal in minutes. the main reason to check it is that it can eat into the shaft. even if it is stainless or chrome plated it will be eaten away quickly. the best is to remove the prop and check the shaft and seal for mono. you may need to remove a couple of pieces but the check is worth it. the easiest way to see where the seal is is to check mercury on line and look at the parts explosion for your motor.