Water in lower unit?

TillamookB2

Cadet
Joined
Aug 5, 2010
Messages
24
I've got a 1959 Mercury 55A. I just went out and pulled the oil drain and vent plugs on the lower unit and all that came out was a small amount of thick, greenish goop and about 1/16 cup of water.
It sat for two years before I got it. Since I had the motor, it's been in the water once to make sure it floats. I've run it a total of maybe fifteen to twenty minutes in neutral to test repairs.
I know a small amount of water in the gearcase is inevitable. Is this too much? It had already separated from the oil by the time I opened it up.

I saw no rust coloration in the water.

Do you suppose its safe to refill with fresh gear oil? Maybe fill it, run it for a few minutes, drain and refill?
 

James R

Commander
Joined
Feb 1, 2007
Messages
2,679
Re: Water in lower unit?

The water may have got in past the plug seals. Try replacing those and fill with fresh oil. Inspect the oil after running on the pond.
 
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