2018 60HP Mercury outboard - lower end

[Packersfan]

Hey everyone, hoping you can help, I have a 2018 Mercury 60 HP, had water getting into the lower end so I changed the prop shaft seals, driveshaft seals, impellor, and new washers on the vent and drain screws. I did a pressure test and it's holding pressure, after using the boat for a couple hours, I still have water getting in. Any ideas where it could be coming from?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Chris1956]

Water in the gear oil will cause wear on the bearings. This will only show up when the motor is operating. This can lead to a wobble on the driveshaft or propshaft, which allows water to get past the seals.

 

[Packersfan]

Ok thanks - which bearings would you suggest I change and is it something I can do myself?

 

[Chris1956]

Gearcases have tight tolerances. These are set using shims behind the bearings. Some need special tools to make it correct, and if incorrect, the gears wear out quickly. Gearcases are also often hard to disassemble.

Check out Sterndriveengineering.com (SEI.com) for a new replacement gearcase price. Then check out crowleymarine and price out new bearings and see what you want to do.

Replacing the whole gearcase takes just a few minutes. Repairing one could take days.

 

[Packersfan]

Is there a seal on the shift shaft that could be causing issues?

 

[Chris1956]

The shift shaft has failed on my motors A pressure test might uncover it.