lower unit water intrusion

[elwilliams13]

my 91 225 evinrude recently had water in my lower unit lube. Did not use new gaskets last time I drained it. Water was more brown than white. Upon filling this time noticed a drop of lube coming out of a tiny hole on the starboard side of gearcase ahead and even with the top water pickup hole. What is this and how can it be fixed? I noticed when I use the flushing muffs water comes out of here in a stream. Is it some sort of vent or check valve? could ths be causing my oil to get contaminated?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: lower unit water intrusion

EL..... The small holes that you might see in various areas of the lower unit are water drain holes. They are there to protect the lower unit when engines are used in areas of the world that are subject to freezing wheather. If the water couldn't drain out, it would freeze and burst the surrounding aluminum.<br /><br />To check your lower unit properly for leaks, remove the propeller, drain the unit, then apply 7 to 12 psi (not over that) of pressurized air to either the drain or oil level plug hole. This should allow you to hear and/or see where the leak exists.