Gear lube overfill?

[Remote Location]

While filling the gear lube from the bottom screw I filled the lower unit. I put the top screw in loose and pumped a few times softly to get the rest filled, as some leaked out without the top screw in place. While I pumped the lube some of it came out of a small weep hole just below the top screw as well as under the prop. I think the top screw was a little too tight to let air out and it went another direction. Does anyone know if there is a pressure release internally or did I blow out a seal?

 

[DsevenEm2]

Re: Gear lube overfill?

sounds like a leaky seal.. have you ever had any damage to the L/U in the past? I always leave the top screw out and slowly pump the oil until it barely creeps out of the top hole.. then plug it up and your done. Overfilling it would be obvious.. you should know when to stop, it shouldnt be coming out of the prop or through it.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Gear lube overfill?

most likly it just blew past the driveshaft seals as both seal lips face up, however I would have the unit pressure tested as I have seen seals jacked out with hydraulic pressure.
can I ask why not simply follow the service manual ?

 

[Remote Location]

Re: Gear lube overfill?

Thanks for the comments. What I was trying to do was leave the top screw "loosly" attached (enough to get air past) and then tighten it so not to let the fluid level drop while I was puting the bottom screw in. My fault entirely but I was dealing with some poor weather conditions that made the matter worse.

The good thing (I think) is that when I noticed the fluid start leaking I stopped and it stopped leaking as well. If the seals are on the top this would make sense, even if they were blown out. Question is...if they are on top and the fluid stopped leaking (engine is in down position) then when it is tilted upright will it start leaking again?

If the seals are blown is it a big job to replace them? I would think the lower unit would need to come off.

Thanks for all your comments.