EVINRUDE 150 XP l/u leaks and snap ring broke

[reel-time]

150 XP has bent prop shaft and leaks gear oil after hitting debris. I took it to a local mechanic and he told me the second snap ring broke and he couldn't take the unit apart and I must by a new l/u. Seems strange to me that a busted snap ring means I must buy his new lower unit. I ran the boat about 15 minutes back to the dock after the hit, but the unit was filled with a 50/50 mix of water and oil. Thought I'd run this by the pros before I shell out 2 grand or spend a few weekends takeing things apart. The motor is missing the serial tag but is somewhere between an 84 and 89(any other way to tell the year). Any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks in advance<br />Dave

 

[Solittle]

Re: EVINRUDE 150 XP l/u leaks and snap ring broke

Yo Dave - You do not need the serial number. The model number is the key. If you do not see a decal or tag with the model #, you should find it stamped on the freeze plug. Post it back here and someone will tell you the year. You can then order the shop & parts manuals.<br /><br />I wouldn't jump on buying a new lower unit just yet. Was there any visible damage?<br /><br />You might also look around for another mechanic to get a second opinion.

 

[clanton]

Re: EVINRUDE 150 XP l/u leaks and snap ring broke

My guess is the end of the snapring broke off and he cant use snapring plyers to remove the snapring. You use 2 long screwdrivers, lots of patience, and the snapring will come out. You can cut it into pieces with a Drema tool. You have insurance on boat, may pay for gear case.

 

[reel-time]

Re: EVINRUDE 150 XP l/u leaks and snap ring broke

thanks for the suggestions so far. I went back to the shop this morning and looked over the l/u. Mechanic said its an 88 model. A piece of the snap ring about 5" long (radial length) broke off so there's not much left in the groove. However, the gear oil/water mix was dark and smelled burnt, I don't know much history on this motor as its one of several research boats I maintain for the school,(just took the job so don't have any backround info on boats). Since I only ran the boat for 10 minutes after the damage it seems there may be more wrong with the unit judgeing buy the bad oil. I'm not sure if the boat has any insurance other than liability, I'll look into that though. If not I'll be doing the repair soon. Thanks for you input<br /><br />Dave