Is any moisture in lower end ok?

[tater76]

Hi guys, so I didn't replace the oil in the lower end of my 55hp Chrysler last fall during winterizing. I had checked the level before every trip during the summer (approx 20 trips, and the oil was always clean, never cloudy/,milky. The motor spent the winter in the heated garage. I went to awaken the beast, and began by dropping the lower unit oil. When I pulled the bottom screw about 3tbsp of water came out followed by the gear oil. Yes, I know I screwed up by not dumping it in the fall, but 3tbsp of water? is that really horrible? Do I need to tear the lower apart now? reseal?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Is any moisture in lower end ok?

No amount of water in the lower unit is acceptable and what you have is significant. You don't need to disassemble the lower unit. Pressure test it and see which seal is leaking. Might be something simple like a fill, vent, or drain screw.

Alternately, you can gamble and just refill with fresh oil. The oil has anti-corrosion additives and as long as there is no air in the gearcase, the internals should not rust. Check after every run and if it gets worse, then do a seal job.