Lower Unit...a "little" water

[RDJuhl]

I have a 1973 Evinrude 85 HP which I purchased a year ago.

Last year, I changed the lower unit lubricant, and after the old lubricant sat for a while in a bottle, the oil and water separated...I had about a quarter cup of water in the old lubricant. The prior owner had not used the plastic washers on the bolts used to hold in the lubricant. I paid the high price for the plastic washers, and added new lubricant.

I changed the lower unit lubricant again yesterday. The unit had not yet been turned on for the year (a late spring plus a home project is delaying my boating...grrr). At any rate, about a quarter cup of water came out of the lower unit first, then the normal amount of lower unit lubricant.

So...is this quarter cup something I should be worried about at this point? If so, what bearings/seals should I replace?

Thanks.

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Lower Unit...a "little" water

That is a lot of water, IMO!

Best bet would be to replace the prop shaft seal. Since you're down there, a water pump kit (impeller, seals, gaskets, etc) would be a great idea.

Bearings should be fine, but not for long if your running water in the lube.

 

[Daviet]

Re: Lower Unit...a "little" water

There shouldn't be any water in your lower unit. Sounds like it's time to pull the lower unit and reseal it.