water in the gear case

[Thumpbass]

What are all the ways that water can enter the gear case? Would there be a range from best to worse case scenario? I would guess faulty or no nylon washers on the drain and vent plug would be best case scenario and a cracked gear case would be worst...other ways and thier severity would be appriciated.

 

[bilgeboy]

Re: water in the gear case

Utter newb, here. Been reading for a week or so since I just got a boat with an 89 225. First trial run over heated and very poor power. Read the Seloc cover to cover, then had at 'er.

So I dropped the lower unit yesterday for a water pump change (little did I know that was the easy part, getting it back on was the real PIA). Under the water pump was what looked like a lip type oil seal that I thought I probably should change while I was there, but didn't.

Anyway, I would guess there are 3 more ways...seal on the prop shaft, seal on the drive shaft under the water pump, and that "grommet" seal on the gear selector.

I would guess with your other two thoughts, that should cover it?

Mike

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: water in the gear case

yep those are them

 

[iwombat]

Re: water in the gear case

Quantum tunneling is another possibility, ableit highly unlikely.

 

[Thumpbass]

Re: water in the gear case

can cracks in the lower unit be welded shut or sealed or is it pretty much junk at that point?

 

[OBJ]

Re: water in the gear case

Really depends on the location of the crack. Most can be welded and finished off.

Best way to find a leak in a lower unit if changing the drain and vent plug washers don't get the job done, is to drop the lower unit off, adapt a bicycle to etiher the drain or vent plug hole, pump the unit up with 5 > 10psi air and drop her into water and watch for bubbles.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: water in the gear case

Some use JB Weld to effectively seal cracks. Need to properly rough up and degrease the surface prior to the application. Nice thing about that is that there is no heat and you don't have to dismantle it to get the rubber parts out prior to heating like you would have to do with an arc weld or gas braze.

Mark

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: water in the gear case

There are double seal's, and an o-ring on the upper drive shaft bearing carrier. There is an o-ring, and gasket on the shift rod cover. There are double seal's, and a o-ring on the prop shaft bearing carrier, all of these double seal's are put in back, to back. There are four screw's that hold the prop shaft bearing carrier, these also have an o-ring under the screw head. On the double seal's, I pack the void between the seal's with grease,such as OMC triple guard. All of the above are a possible source for a leak. Having every thing clean is important. The carbon build up around the prop shaft carrier can be a problem if it snag's the o-ring. I clean this with a medium steel wool when I have the unit apart, then flush with part's cleaner, or hot soapy water.