K&B 3.5 SS Gold head outboard

[Saillfish]

I am having to set my needle out about 5 1/2 turns to get it to run. Then it runs rich. It will not stay running at a leaner setting. It ran fine in the past. I believe it has a air leak. I replaced all the gaskets and carb o-ring with no luck in fixing the problem. I feel it is the pto bearing leaking air by. I removed the bearings and bought new high speed bearings locally. Do I need to remove the bearing seals or covers? If so, Do I remove both sides? Or leave on side in, Which direction do I put them in? What keeps air from leaking by on the stock beaings. There is only a plastic retainer on them. Thanks!

[MECOA]

Bearing do not create the seal, it is the portion between the bearings like on the crankshaft
http://www.mecoa.com/faq/crankshafts/blowby.htm

You may need to replace the PTO cover.

ans yes the bearings should have the seals removed. The bearings you purchased will probably not manage the RPM's of the engine. The factoru bearings have special retainers.