Some metal on lower unit drain screw

[laxandpb4life]

I was checking my lower unit oil on my mercury checking for water as I have replaced the prop shaft seal several times lately. I found some metal on the drain screw as you can see in the picture. They were all smooth and did not appear to be "chunks" in my opinion. Should I be worried?

 

[carholme]

Re: Some metal on lower unit drain screw

That is definitely enough that if it were mine, I would be doing further investigating.

What engine is this and do you have the s/n?

Gerry

 

[laxandpb4life]

Re: Some metal on lower unit drain screw

250 pro xs, i do not have it sitting right here

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Some metal on lower unit drain screw

The other question is how many times has the lower unit been changed? If it has been changed more then once then yes I would investigate.......if it was the very first time it could just be residual on the metal parts.

 

[laxandpb4life]

Re: Some metal on lower unit drain screw

It has been changed many times, it is a 2007

 

[racerone]

Re: Some metal on lower unit drain screw

As far I am concerned it needs to come apart for inspection !

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Some metal on lower unit drain screw

Do you have the idle speed set low enough? Looks like she had been rammed into gear at high idle speed.

 

[laxandpb4life]

Re: Some metal on lower unit drain screw

I believe it is set around 5/600 rpm if I remember correctly. I was thinking it could have been caused by being put into gear at a high rpm occasionally.

 

[racerone]

Re: Some metal on lower unit drain screw

Fine shavings are OK--Flakes like that may indicate bad bearings.--This lower unit should be taken apart for inspection !

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Some metal on lower unit drain screw

Driveshaft pinion bearing fixing to take a chit!!!!!!

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Some metal on lower unit drain screw

I would be opening the lower unit. silver is bearings. use at magnet.???

 

[laxandpb4life]

Re: Some metal on lower unit drain screw

the lower unit was looked at about a month ago when I had the seals redone, not sure if that covers taking the lower unit apart. I was checking for water when I noticed this.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Some metal on lower unit drain screw

Have to regess about the magnet. sorry. BUT something is no right.

 

[laxandpb4life]

Re: Some metal on lower unit drain screw

Can parts be replaced within a lower unit? On an older boat I had, I had to replace one and was told when something goes wrong you have to essentially replace the whole thing because of how the gears are in the case.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Some metal on lower unit drain screw

Parts within the gearcase can be replaced. The cost of each part is usually very high, such that you can buy a used gearcase for it much cheaper, and w/o the effort. Check to see if SEI makes an aftermarket gearcase. They are reasonable in cost.