Best product to get water out?

[1968dart]

Hey everyone there was a small amount of water in my 1977 Evinrude 15 when I drain the oil out of the lower unit. I wanted to flush it out and was wondering what product would be the best? I have some Seafoam? also heard kerosene? Thought I would flush and test before worrying to much about such little water. Hopefully no more gets in there.

Thanks Robin

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Best product to get water out?

Don't use kero.
Either refill with gear oil and give it a sort run on muffs or in a tub and drain again, or use cheap automotive engine oil and again give it a brief run before draining thoroughly. That is if you really think it needs flushing!

Be sure to fit new seals to the drain and level plugs

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Best product to get water out?

Robin, Water get into the gearcase when it leaks past the seals. You do not need to flush the gearcase, you need to repair the seals. Refill with new marine gear oil after the seals are repaired.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Best product to get water out?

Chris not necessairily, the # 1 place for lower unit leaks, are the seals on the vent and drain plugs. they are a one use only seal, many people miss replacing them, or not using anything, or use the old ones that leak. when you have 1/2 lube, and 1/2 water then you really know it is time to reseal the gear case.

 

[1968dart]

Re: Best product to get water out?

It was a very little amount of water plus the little drain plug seals I think are origenal..I also don't think that the gear oil was ever changed. maybe just toped up. I was black but I ran a very powerful rare earth magnet around the margerine container that I drained the oil into and there wasn't any meatal. I was just wondering if I should use something to get all the water out...I will just flush it with gear oil and replace the plug seals then check it after a good run.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Best product to get water out?

I think the problem would be more how to get whatever you flush it with out, I would just leave the drain out and let everyhing that can drain then refill it with lower oil.

If it was black I would say it is pretty old, get new seals for the screws and check it again after a couple hours use, wait till it has sat undisturbed for a day or two, then crack the bottom plug, any water will have seperated by then and come out first, if you get water it is time for a seal kit.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Best product to get water out?

I think the problem would be more how to get whatever you flush it with out

Thats why I suggested a automotive engine oil. It is thin enough to quickly mix with all the residue in the box and it will drain quickly. A little left behind will cause no problem but you would not want to leave any solvent or kerosene in there.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Best product to get water out?

Vic, Gear oil is lighter than water. The water will therefore drain first. There is no need to flush the gearcase. Just let it drain completely and refill with new gear oil.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Best product to get water out?

I resealed the LU on an Evinrude 8 HP that had the "green milkshake emulsion" after new plug seals and only three days use.
When I took the gearcase apart, there was a substantial amount of that emulsion still coating the gears and there was obviously water still in that emulsion.
I would backflush (from the top screw) with something oil-based....not a solvent.