lower unit leak

oddysea1

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 22, 2011
Messages
201
After changing lower unit oil and looking at old oil, it appears there is a water contamination.Question, what possible seal areas could be suspect?Although it appears to be a slight leak over the past season what possible damage could result if left unaddressed?
 

stylesabu

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2009
Messages
849
Re: lower unit leak

how much water? it usually gets past prop seals
 

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Re: lower unit leak

Saltwater is worse than fresh water in lower units, but either in much quantities is not good. Check/replace your drain/fill plug washers/gaskets, then remove prop and inspect prop shaft for fishing line wrapped around and under the seal causing damage and/or leakage, then drop lower unit and check shifter shaft seal and drive shaft seals. There's a lower unit pressure test to help locate leaks.
Good Luck!
 

99yam40

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 7, 2008
Messages
9,150
Re: lower unit leak

Bearings and gears do not like water, so you will lose the lower unit if you do not repair
 

ADK_Boater

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 29, 2010
Messages
217
Re: lower unit leak

How do you define "slight leak"? Was the oil milky? (water contamination) Dark but not milky? (not water, just not changed when it should have been) Pudding? (don't mess around, you have a serious leak) Metallic flakes? (probably some shifting wear/damage).

I'm not trying to be insulting, I'm just trying to see what your seeing.
As far as damage goes, if you have water in your gear oil, then you are ruining the viscosity of the oil. Contaminated gear oil is not lubricating your gears properly and will result in damage to expensive components.

Listen to robert graham and start with your least expensive parts first and check the gaskets/seals.
 
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