1982 E90TLCNB Water in gear case

[gnomes9]

I bought the motor this past spring, changed the cooling water pump with help from you guys. I changed the gear case oil when I brought it home, unfortunately I don't remember what it looked like, but sure it wasn't like the picture I attached. I was prepping the boat and motor for winter storage, so I am going to put new oil in at this point, but just want to get a head start on what I should be looking for come spring time.

 

[gnomes9]

Could I have done something wrong while changing the water pump?

 

[racerone]

Changing the water pump does not cause water leaking into the lower unit.----You might have a shop pressure test the gearcase.-----If seals are original they are worn out.------Install a seal kit now.

 

[oldboat1]

If you want to play around with it yourself, drain the l.u. and remove it. Use a small pump and rig an inflation needle (needle and gasket) to pump 4 or 5 lbs in through either the drain or vent hole. Use some soap spray to identify leaks, incl. drain and vent gaskets.

 

[gnomes9]

Already put new gear case oil back in for winter storage. What would be in the seal kit? Would it be shaft seals only? I'll probably buy the seal kit in the spring and replace. I'm wondering if I just didn't tighten the drain and/or vent plugs properly. They didn't leak any oil, but they are tough to get any torque on to tighten. Bought new gaskets for drain and vent screws at dealership this spring, they are a nylon type, and are very stiff. To me they seem like they would be hard to compress to create a good seal. Oldboat1 what locations would I look for potential leaks? Thanks guys.

 

[oldboat1]

Typically shift rod, prop seal, drive shaft seal ,... but may be trouble spots unique to your model.

 

[gnomes9]

OK, Thanks oldboat1

 

[racerone]

?----But they have used those nylon seals for 50 years or so.----On every motor.----Why would you think they are " no good " ??

 

[gnomes9]

I don't know, it's just that the flat head screws are tough to torque up. I picture it more like a rubber o ring sealing off the space.

 

[racerone]

Hurry to a shop and buy the new style hex screws.----Use an allen wrench to tighten them.

 

[gnomes9]

Okay, didn't know that was an option. Definitely will be much easier. Thanks.

 

[interalian]

I just use a fat flat blade with a square shank. A 5/16" open end wrench lets me get plenty of torque on them.

Bear in mind you're talking about a short thread into aluminium, so these aren't "Jim tight" unless you want to replace the whole gearcase for a stripped out hole.

Also, being nylon, the bush swells a bit when wet as nylon is hygroscopic.

 

[gnomes9]

I have same thing but my blade is a bit worn, need to square off the end a bit. I'll check with my local dealer if they have hex type that would be easier in the long run.

 

[gnomes9]

So I just hooked up the muffs and ran gasoline mixed with conditioner, as well as fogged. As I was doing this I realized that if leak was from inside lu that I may have let water in to gear case again.