71' 135hp lower unit leak. can i run it??????

[sea star]

hi folks, i have this motor i bought this year that has given me some headaches:'(. i've already dumped $1200 into it this season and now it has a lower unit leak -looks like from where it attaches to the shaft (probably the seals are gone). the leak is slow- my question is i don't want to dump any more money into this old-timer at least this season if at all. i just want to do a little fishing once or twice a week. i know it's not advisable but can i get away with running it till sesos end if i keep oil in it and check it after each trip? by the way, i just checked the oil and it was not milky, just brownish, black. wish i coul;d fix it myself but don't have tools, time or patience. just want to fish. i also have a carb that leaks a bit too and i want to wait on that too.
thanks for any advice.
p.s. my next boat/motor will have "0" HOURS!!!

 

[ccooper]

Re: 71' 135hp lower unit leak. can i run it??????

Since the oil isn't showing signs of water infiltration, I'd probably run it. Make sure you check the oil after each trip. If you see signs of water or milkiness- drain it and park it until next year when you can afford to get it fixed. BTW- you said the oil is black- you should probably think about changing it now. No sense creating multiple issues..

 

[timmathis]

Re: 71' 135hp lower unit leak. can i run it??????

I would have seals put ASAP. It will not cost much at all. You say that you have spent $1200.00 this season. I would keep a close eye on it and make sure water does not get in the lower unit. Also when was the impeller replaced? It needs to be done every other season at least. Take care of what you have and it may last many more years. Good Luck , Tim

 

[sea star]

Re: 71' 135hp lower unit leak. can i run it??????

hi folks, i have this motor i bought this year that has given me some headaches:'(. i've already dumped $1200 into it this season and now it has a lower unit leak -looks like from where it attaches to the shaft (probably the seals are gone). the leak is slow- my question is i don't want to dump any more money into this old-timer at least this season if at all. i just want to do a little fishing once or twice a week. i know it's not advisable but can i get away with running it till sesos end if i keep oil in it and check it after each trip? by the way, i just checked the oil and it was not milky, just brownish, black. wish i coul;d fix it myself but don't have tools, time or patience. just want to fish. i also have a carb that leaks a bit too and i want to wait on that too.
thanks for any advice.
p.s. my next boat/motor will have "0" HOURS!!!

 

[sea star]

Re: 71' 135hp lower unit leak. can i run it??????

i don't know, my mech charges $65 an hr and with the carb rebuild pro looking at 4 or 5 hrs plus parts. that's alot for me..espcially after all the money i spent already. guess it's still cheaper than a new boat. the other problem is everyone here is booked up for at least 2 wks. summer here is short.
thanks for the help

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: 71' 135hp lower unit leak. can i run it??????

Check around some of the local marinas. There may be a mechanic around that will replace the shaft seals without dropping the lower unit. It can be done if you are careful by drilling a hole on each side of the seal, running a screw into the holes, then pulling the seal off of the shaft.

 

[xmen3]

Re: 71' 135hp lower unit leak. can i run it??????

Some of those old mercs have plain steel drive and prop shafts (my old 1965 650) that corrode where the seal rubs creating a groove. If so new seals wont help. Shafts must be repaced or spray welded and machined first.

 

[emckelvy]

Re: 71' 135hp lower unit leak. can i run it??????

I expect he's talking about driveshaft seals leaking, not propshaft seals. The propshaft is stainless on the 1350 so shouldn't rot away too badly.

Certainly does have a mild steel driveshaft though and if the rot's not too bad in the seal area, you can repair the damage thru use of stainless steel Speedy Sleeves.

Of course, they're not cheap either, probably close to $100 for 2 sleeves, new seals, gaskets, O-rings, and probably an impeller too while you're in there.

If you're running in fresh water, a little water intrusion isn't going to kill it. Check the oil and if it looks bad just drain and refill with fresh Hi-Vis or even 85W-90 gear oil if you're on a tight budget. Wal-Mart's got about the best deal in town on Hi-Vis marine-grade gear oil, BTW, at around $3/quart.

If you're running in salt water, you've really got to watch the water in the gearcase and you' probably need to drain/refill after each run, depending on how bad it's leaking.

Don't forget that the shift shaft bushing has an oil seal in it that can leak, too. More $$$ to pour down the hole! Well, just look at it this way, you've got a Classic Merc, and you're not paying a lot of interest etc on a new boat! I expect she'll give you good service once you get the bugs worked out.

I had a '71 1350 that lived on a couple of different ski boats and it sure was a good old motor. Had an opportunity to by the boat back a few years ago but it was gone before I could get to it. The guy said the motor ran as good as ever. Gotta luv them ol' Inlines!

HTH & G'luck.........ed