1984 Mercury 3.5hp lower unit oil seal removal

[Schnidly]

Dear Forum, can someone give me direction to remove the cover nut for the propeller shaft on my lower unit? My serial number is 6298133 if someone wants to take a look the parts diagram to see what I am talking about. It has 4 slots around the edge where to put a cover nut tool, but finding this tool seems to be impossible. Is there a chance I can use a flat ended punch to tap on the indents on this ring to remove it? I need to replace the oil seal on the propeller shaft and thus have to remove the prop shaft and bearing carrier to get to it. Please advise. Maybe somebody has a homemade tool they made or Im just missing something here? Thanks so much

[jeffstevens763@g]

hi have a look at offshoremarineparts.com over in the US tools for outboards

[paintman]

Make one out of a length of appropriate diameter tube - I've done this for various nuts of this type.