Just how critical is a bit of water in gearcase oil?

[Tinkerer]

Re: Just how critical is a bit of water in gearcase oil?

Originally posted by BillP:<br /> I'm not saying water in the unit is normal for today's motors or that is is ok to run long term with water in the gearcase...however, it was normal and worked in older motors without trashing the gears.

This goes back to an issue I raised early in the thread that hasn't been answered.<br /><br />Are today's gearbox metals different and more susceptible to corrosion than ones say 40 to 70 years ago? <br /><br />Have modern production methods cut down the quality or thickness of case hardening or are different grades or types of metals used because it's cheaper or because modern technology allows it?<br /><br />If the old ones didn't corrode at all or as badly as modern ones with water, especially salt water, what's the difference between then and now?

 

[ob]

Re: Just how critical is a bit of water in gearcase oil?

Originally posted by BillP:<br /> Other than corrosion, a "little" water won't do much except wear parts faster. How many hrs it takes off gear life is a guess. I've found small amounts of water in different gearcases at lube change and never had problems in the long term. When I find it seals are changed.<br /><br />On the extreme end, due to a defective seal, I had a Merc 20 lower unit lock up at full speed from water in the gears. It screeched like hexx when it locked up...it was only a two week old motor and Merc replaced the unit. Ever since that I always check new motors after the first couple runs to make sure gearcases are tight

BillP my original post was not refering to or reacting to your comments.But since you brought up the subject of my intitial comments ,I assume you beg to differ.Your comments above seem to contradict your defense of a little water in the gearcase.Perhaps the reason you haven't experienced more failures is because by your own admission you remedy the leak as soon as you see signs of water intrusion.My post was not intended as a personal attack on yourself or chosen methods of maintaining your equipment,but rather as a flag of caution to any unsuspecting memebers that may construe that water in the gearcase is no big woop.I happen to have a different opinion on the subject.This is the John/Rude engine repair forum and analogies of 1940 vintage engines of British makes, that may or may not have had lasting lower unit gears in the presence of "a little water" seems a moot point. The problem with a little water is that it turns into a lot of water if not addressed.I think we at least both agree on that.Thats why all outboard gearcases are sealed in the first place.Where I boat,water in the gearcase means salt and silt in the gearcase as well.<br /><br />In sumation I feel that on the topic of outboards in general,that advice along the lines of "any" water in the gearcase from seal intrusion is acceptible and nothing to worry about ,is misleading and bad advice.Others may differ.

 

[G DANE]

Re: Just how critical is a bit of water in gearcase oil?

Reading all these posts, I'm beginning to see the point, I think. If properly lubed with fresh oil, most Johnnyrude lowerunits wil outlast motor, as automotive gearcases mostly do. By running with contaminated oil you use from the extra life the gears and bearings have. Oil in water is a signal of coming failures and repairs, but luckily the construction is forgiving and the breakdown will not come in a snap. I, however had a couple of lower units apart, working, but showing excessive wear on gears from periods with oil in water. Why wait to see this ?? Get it fixed.

 

[BillP]

Re: Just how critical is a bit of water in gearcase oil?

OB...we're on the "same page". <br />Thanks,<br />Bill

 

[Brew2]

Re: Just how critical is a bit of water in gearcase oil?

I'm certainly no oil or motor expert, but....I didn't see any mention in this thread about the reprocussions of water in a lower unit freezing. Maybe just my Canadian winter perspective, but that would be my biggest concern about having "a little water" in my lower unit. Certainly reduced longivity of the lower unit due to wear on the gears is a concern, but I would think cracking a lower unit due to frozen water would be a bigger concern.<br /><br />My 2 cents.<br /><br />Cheers.