Lower unit. 73 85 hp. is this normal

[amarcil77]

Just pulled my lower unit and found an oily sludge on top of my water pump housing and shift sod housing. Is this normal. I am thinking unburned oil. But not too sure. Sorry I am unable to post a pic.

 

[racerone]

Re: Lower unit. 73 85 hp. is this normal

Very normal.

 

[amarcil77]

Re: Lower unit. 73 85 hp. is this normal

Ok thanks racerone. I thought it was just wanted to make sure. Before wasting time doing the water pump, when I need to be focusing on something else.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Lower unit. 73 85 hp. is this normal

I'd be concerned about the oily substance. Likely it's exhaust residue. That's not normal. Exhaust heat can affect the life/durability of the impeller housing and the rubber impeller. Likely the rubber lower exhaust gasket is out of place or missing. Part number 314937. If this rubber part is missing, it permits exhaust gas to bleed off onto the water pump. It's not unusual for this rubber part to swell with age, making it hard to get it seated back into it's normal position when the water pump gets changed out.

 

[amarcil77]

Re: Lower unit. 73 85 hp. is this normal

I did find the exhaust gasket ripped with about 2 inches missing. The new one is on order. Thank you.