85 HP Force Engine 1986 Lower Unit Leak

[rwsiren]

85 HP Force engine, 1986 <br /><br />Just noticed lower gear case oil drip marks coming from what appears to be 2 of six small predrilled (weep?) holes under the cavitation plate towards the front of the engine, on both sides. Otherwise, engine and gears seem to be working fine. Also, the lower gear case oil was replaced in the beginning of the season. Used the engine this weekend to waterski and 3 times before that since the oil was changed. Was wondering what caused this to happen since I've never noticed it before.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 85 HP Force Engine 1986 Lower Unit Leak

Have you taken the drain plug out to look at the oil that is still in the lower unit? If it is milky white or water comes out you have a leak somewhere. Could be that when the oil was replaced at the begining of the season the gaskets for the drain and fill screws are defective or not there. If oil is still brown maybe add more and see how much you have to add to top it off. If it is milky white drain the whole unit and refill. IF you have a leak elsewhere just keep refilling with fresh oil until the season is over. You can either reseal it your self or have a marina do it for you over the winter for a couple hundred dollars

 

[rwsiren]

Re: 85 HP Force Engine 1986 Lower Unit Leak

Thanks for the advice. I will check/add the oil as soon as I determine which screws to remove. I read on another post that if you remove the wrong lower unit screw on an 85 HP Force engine that you will have to dismantle and reassemble the entire lower unit. A scary proposition for a novice. From what I see, there are two screws above the cavitation plate, one is labeled Fill and the other is labeled Vent. Then about 8 or 9 inches below the Fill Screw there is a 3rd unlabeled screw on the side of the lower unit and then a 4th hex head type screw underneath the lower unit. I think someone told me that the 4th hex screw was the drain screw. Please advise. Thanks.

 

[revertmastec]

Re: 85 HP Force Engine 1986 Lower Unit Leak

The third screw you are refering to is the screw that will screw you if you remove it. That is for the linkage Do not touch that one. The hex crew you are refering to is the drain. You must first unscrew the vent screw in order to release the vacume. If you do not have a manual get one. It is worth its wieght in gold.

 

[lonewolf5347]

Re: 85 HP Force Engine 1986 Lower Unit Leak

rwsiren it sounds like your top main seal under the water pump housing needs to be replaced I had the same problem on my force 120 hp oil will drip out of the top vent holes by the cavitation plate.