Topic: HANDY AA MAGLITE SHIFTER SEAL PRESS...

[chippyfive50]

In the process of re-rebuilding my 500/550, I stumbled upon a handy trick for seating the shifter seal.
rifling through my toolbox, i saw an old parted MAGLITE........ I said to myself "take the lens housing off of your AA MAGLITE and press it in dummy...."

[Chris Liston]

thats a great idea.  wish I though of that.  I used a deep socket.

[Philly550K1]

i've read of just pressing the new seal in over the old.  yes?

also, is chain removal irrelevant, preferred or required for the seal procedure?

my to-do list is growing out of control.....

[Chris Liston]

No removal of chain is needed.  The removal process is pretty simple.  Take a long small 1/8" or smaller flat head screwdriver and tap it into the old seal (VERY LIGHTLY) to brake the metal plate behind the seal. Once punctured just pull the old seal out.  Be careful not to scrape/gouge the cases or the shifter spindle or it will leak. 

If you've never removed the sprocket cover get yourself and impact hammer/screwdriver with a #3 bit on it.  I'd find a stainless bolt kit on ebay so you can replace the bolts with allen type. Make taking the cover off much easier in the future.

Good luck.

[chippyfive50]

Any tips on removing the old seal?

I used a seal pulling tool(a screwdriver with a bent pointy end) i picked up at sears for 5 bucks a while back. It actually worked.
you can also use drywall screws, just thread them in GENTLY until they grab, then pull...
my seal came out with no struggle @ all...