Got fuel problem fixed now there is water in lower Unit Need help!

[jldean23]

LOL LOL LOL i am so aggravated i have a 1996 Mariner 15 hp outboard, I did have a fuel problem got it fixed. Was planning a trip for tomorrow getting boat ready and thought i should check the lower unit and just my luck there is water in the lower unit oil is milky white.

I am starting to hate this mariner outboard, sorry that im aggravated i just dont want anymore problems, so here is the thing i put motor on boat and noticed some milky gear oil coming out were the propeller is, somehow in the housing behind the prop. If that is were it is leaking what gaskets do i have to change, how hard is it to replace, do you need special tools or could it be the water pump gaskets.

Crap i just want to go fishing and now this!!!! I just hope the gaskets are not a arm and a leg but let me know guys thanks...In regards of what i need to replace.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Got fuel problem fixed now there is water in lower Unit Need help!

I really know the feeling I am about 6 weeks behind on my fishing due to the bad weather my self.

A very temporary solution is to change out the oil and go fishing. While it is not the best solution it may give you a bit of stress relief until you can get things sorted out. I had a old 1972 merc 402 40 hp that had a bad prop shaft and I used it for several years by just changing out the oil after ever trip. That will work for awhile until you can get seals in and you may not need a complete set. If you know some one who has a vacuum / pressure tester you can rig it up and see whats leaking and then just replace whats needed. Here is a link to some people have made.

It isnt the end of the world The guys here will help you out and walk you through it. Pull off the prop and look and see if it has fishing line wrapped around the shaft thats a very common cause, and if it is you may luck out just by removing it.

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser-i-o-inboard-engines-outdrives/drive-pressure-check-prior-post-233546.html#post1573303

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Got fuel problem fixed now there is water in lower Unit Need help!

If you want a quick fix, with the engine vertical like in normal operation, drain out what's in there and install new oil of the type designed for lower units....ww has it in the Quicksilver/Merc brand in the sporting goods section. A tube will fix you up on that engine or buy the quart with the pump. Screw the pump hose into the drain hole and with the vent plug removed, pump till you get relatively clear oil. Insert the vent screw WITH GASKET and then remove the hose and insert the drain screw WITH GASKET. Go fishing and worry about it when you get back.

First time you are near a dealer pick up a couple pair of new gaskets for the screw seals. No big deal on the oil if you keep your eye on it. You can change oil a lot for the price of a teardown. Just ensure that if you are going to leave it sit up for awhile you change the oil first. If you run it often, like every couple of weeks, don't worry about it till it gets yellow again. The oil has special additives that make it stick to the metal and prevent the intrusion of water. For you to have damage, the engine has to sit motionless for a time allowing the oil and water to separate and then the water has to displace the oil from sticking to the metal and then it can do it's dirty work. That takes awhile.

Mark

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Got fuel problem fixed now there is water in lower Unit Need help!

Now don't get upset because the engine's a Mariner, or Mercury, or any other brand. Presure and vacuum testing L/U seals periodically is just very important part of boat maintenance. Any seal will deteriorate over time.

You will want to have a qualified mechanic replace the seals and checkout the gears, etc. to make sure there's no damage. Then, he should again pressure and vacuum test the lower unit to insure the seals are not leaking.

Anyone that purchases a used boat or motor should have the pressure/vacuum test done prior to buying the motor. The replacement can be a $300 job.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Got fuel problem fixed now there is water in lower Unit Need help!

If it were Mine. I would drain the lower end refill with NEW washer on both drain and vent plugs. Make sure there is No parts of the OLD washers stuck to the lowerend fill and vent. RUN and check again. Sometimes it is simple as that. .02

 

[jldean23]

Re: Got fuel problem fixed now there is water in lower Unit Need help!

I checked it at night and it looked milky but i compared it with the walmrt brand oil i put in it and that oil is that color must have been the led light i was using, took it out on the riiver sat it ran great let it set all night vertical opened plug and no water came out at first so i think i am alright as long as we ran it, almost 6 gallons of gas and no water came out first i think i am ok but thanks wewwww i am so glad...

 

[quicktach]

Re: Got fuel problem fixed now there is water in lower Unit Need help!

The advice given about just changing the lower unit oil with good quality oil while at the same time changing the bolt gaskets is good advice. When you drain the oil from the LU you may want to drain/drizzle it over a small pocket magnet or take a look at the magnet on the lower bolt (if it has one) for bits of metal indicating wear. Put in the best SAE 85-90 lower gear oil you can afford. And if the motor lays over the winter, drain and change before lay over.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Got fuel problem fixed now there is water in lower Unit Need help!

Run it and check it , and btw i got some fishing in yesterday and got 5 nice cats.