The Buckshot Racing #77 Prop Shaft Oil Seal lineup is now available in three distinct options for Mercury gearcase and sterndrive service: the Inner Prop Shaft Oil Seal 26-14077, the Outer Prop Shaft Oil Seal 26-76868, and the Line-Cutter Prop Shaft Seal 26-12224.
These seals are used in different positions and serve different functions, so correct identification matters. The propeller shaft exits the gear housing below the waterline, making the seal system critical for retaining gear lubricant, preventing water intrusion, and protecting bearings, gears, shafts, and the bearing carrier.
1. Inner Prop Shaft Oil Seal (Black) — Mercury 26-14077
The Mercury 26-14077 Inner Prop Shaft Oil Seal is used as the inner conventional oil seal on many Mercury and Mariner gearcases. Its main purpose is to help retain gear lubricant and protect the internal bearing-carrier area from water and contamination.
On many applications, the inner seal works together with an outer seal rather than being used by itself. This sealing arrangement helps maintain proper lubrication inside the lower unit and reduces the risk of corrosion or internal wear caused by contaminated gear oil.
Buckshot Racing #77 offers this seal for applications requiring Mercury OEM 26-14077.
2. Outer Prop Shaft Oil Seal (Gold) — Mercury 26-76868
The Mercury 26-76868 Outer Prop Shaft Oil Seal is positioned closer to the propeller side of the gearcase and helps protect the lower unit from water, debris, weeds, and fishing line.
The inner and outer seals work together to maintain the integrity of the prop-shaft sealing system. On some Mercury and MerCruiser gearcases, the seals are installed in opposing directions so one primarily retains lubricant while the other helps resist water entry.
Buckshot Racing #77 offers this seal for applications using Mercury OEM 26-76868.
3. Line-Cutter Prop Shaft Seal (Silver) — Mercury 26-12224
The Mercury 26-12224 Line-Cutter Prop Shaft Seal is designed to provide added protection against fishing line that becomes wrapped around the prop shaft.
Fishing line can work its way behind the propeller and damage a conventional seal lip, allowing gear lubricant to escape or water to enter the gearcase. The line-cutter design helps reduce this risk on applications designed to use it.
The 26-12224 should not automatically replace the inner or outer oil seal unless the specific gearcase calls for that configuration.
Mercury, Mariner & Mercury Racing Fitment
These prop-shaft seal families are used across many Mercury Marine, Mariner, Mercury Racing, and MerCruiser applications. Fitment can include selected 2.0L, 2.4L, 2.5L, and 3.0L Mercury V6 2-stroke gearcases, along with 135 HP, 150 HP, 175 HP, 200 HP, 225 HP, and higher-output applications.
They may also appear on selected Black Max, XR2, XR4, XR6, XRi, EFI, Pro Max, Mercury Racing, DFI, Alpha One, and Alpha One Gen II gearcases and sterndrives.
Because Mercury used multiple bearing carriers, shaft sizes, rotations, and gearcase designs, fitment should always be confirmed by serial number, gearcase type, rotation, and OEM part number.
Inspection and Replacement
Prop-shaft seals should be inspected whenever the propeller is removed. Common warning signs include gear-oil leakage, milky lubricant, fishing line behind the propeller, damaged seal lips, corrosion around the bearing carrier, or failed pressure and vacuum testing.
Replacing a damaged seal early can prevent expensive damage to gears, bearings, shafts, and other lower-unit components.
Buckshot Racing #77 now offers all three sealing options separately so customers can order the correct part for their application:
26-14077 — Inner Prop Shaft Oil Seal (Black)
26-76868 — Outer Prop Shaft Oil Seal (Gold)
26-12224 — Line-Cutter Prop Shaft Seal (Silver)
Includes one (1) Prop Shaft Seal. Many gearcases require two (2). Order your needed quantity at checkout. Most set-ups use one (1) Inner and one (1) Outer.
For tech support contact Mike Hill at +1-714-697-1716