Oil/water mix leaked into lower end

[gwoloshyn]

I've been trying to get water to pump up to the powerhead but even after replacing the impeller and various seals I still get no water.

I pulled the lower unit off to re-inspect my newly installed impeller and found a dark mix of oil and water pooled up in that recessed area around the water pump housing. This is NOT lower unit lube, it's dark oil that I suspect may be leaking from the powerhead.

Am I looking at a possible head gasket problem? If there is a leak, is this is solution to my water pump issue because there is a leak in the system?

I used compressed air to blow air up into the tube that transfers water to the engine and it seems there is no blockage anywhere.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Oil/water mix leaked into lower end

The whole lower unit including the front is expoaed to exhaust. Because there is no drain for that chamber, unburned oil and cooling water or water from sitting (in the lake or in a barrel) will normally collect there along with water from the cooling system. SO: If you are using muffs, you are getting SOME water through the engine, the question is how much?

That impeller is a pin drive. Did you remember to put back the pin into the hole in the drive shaft?

 

[gwoloshyn]

Re: Oil/water mix leaked into lower end

Yes I installed everything correctly. I'm not using mufs as they don't fit good on this motor so I submerged it in a barrel of water. Still no water. There's a clear tube on the powerhead that transfers water and I also installes a tell tale nozzle but no indication of any water circulating.

 

[BobList]

Re: Oil/water mix leaked into lower end

I had the same no water flow issue in a barrel... when I put the muffs on INSIDE the barrel as well, I got water flow, but it needed to rev above 1500 for a split second to "get 'er goin' ... all was well after that. Not enough water depth in the barrel, the muffs generally leak too much for my taste. But combined, it worked well.


Bob List

 

[tater76]

Re: Oil/water mix leaked into lower end

You need to pull the lower again and check the impeller. I know you put a new one in, but sounds like you have narrowed it back to the new part. You should have water flow by now if the impeller was functioning correctly. Did you apply any lube to it before install? Is the tube you blew air through coupling with the pump? This is where I would start, if everything checks out then you may have a blockage in the block. Do you run in salt water? could have some serious buildup in the passages. Let us know what you find.

 

[gwoloshyn]

Re: Oil/water mix leaked into lower end

Tater, I will be checking the impeller tomorrow. When I installed it I did apply some belray grease to the housing and yes I connected it to the coupler when putting it back in place.

I shot compressed air up the transfer tube and it seemed nothing was blocking flow. Ill check the impeller again and update with results. Ill also run it in a barrel with muffs as bob suggested.

 

[tater76]

Re: Oil/water mix leaked into lower end

Another thought, while the lower is off shoot air into the tube again, but this time detach the clear tube between the exhaust plate and the head. Feel for air coming through the couplers. Maybe this will tell you if any passage is blocked. I know the exhaust plate will harbor alot of deposits, mine was pretty gunked up and I run in fresh water.

 

[gwoloshyn]

Re: Oil/water mix leaked into lower end

Tater, I inspected the impeller and it looks fine. I put it back together before I read your post. However I removed the exhaust plate a few weeks ago and that too looked fine with some deposits but no buildup or blockage.

When running in a bucket does the motor need to be submerged deep enough for the pressure of the water to force its way into and up to reach the water pump? When I tested it the water level was just high enough to cover the intakes.

 

[tater76]

Re: Oil/water mix leaked into lower end

I always fill the bucket till just above the cavitation plate. My motor usually primes within 5-10 seconds and begins to spit water. Did you pull the t-stat? and how long do you run it before you decide its not pumping and shut it down?

 

[gwoloshyn]

Re: Oil/water mix leaked into lower end

I ran it for at least 15 seconds. The thermostat actually broke off so only the bolt part of it is installed.

 

[tater76]

Re: Oil/water mix leaked into lower end

Try pulling the t-stat housing and t-stat, then start it, see if water comes out. I am just trying to weed out possible clog points. Have you checked the intake on the lower for debris?