Yet Another Problem: Stuck In Neutral?? Pics Added

ShaneCarroll

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Feb 10, 2009
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Re: Yet Another Problem: Stuck In Neutral?? Pics Added

To be specific on the last service of the outdrive: In March I drained and refilled the lower unit oil while I changed the impeller. I noticed it developed a slow leak when I took the outdrive off to do the gimbal bearing about six weeks ago. I set it on the spare tire on the trailer and left it there for a few weeks while I was working on the gimbal and stuff. Upon retrieving it, I noticed the oil sitting on the rim of the tire. I refilled it prior to first use, but I did not have the pump thing, so I used the top screw. It all goes in the same place, doesn't it? Anyways, I filled it to the very top with oil, and proceeded to take it out four or five times after the gimbal bearing job. I guess it leaked out and caused the damage?

I just want to know where it is bad, so I can know for future reference. Do I need an entire outdrive or just the upper unit? Thank you.
 

Bt Doctur

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Aug 29, 2004
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19,349
Re: Yet Another Problem: Stuck In Neutral?? Pics Added

We know there was no oil in the upper, laying on the tire didnt help but we dont know if there was enough oil still in the lower . It would have to be opened up and the bearings examined. With gears hot enough to soften tempered steel you have to remember your lower unit drive shaft goes into that gear and if it was damaged it will twist off like taffy under a load.
For $1200 you get a new one delivered and a 3 year unconditional warranty against everything.
 

ShaneCarroll

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Re: Yet Another Problem: Stuck In Neutral?? Pics Added

I'll check the lower to see if oil was in there, but I am pretty sure there was. It seems the seal that separates upper from lower is where the leak was coming from. I couldn't find a gasket to go between the two, is there one? As far as the price goes, that is about $1195 out of my price range right now.
 

Bt Doctur

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Re: Yet Another Problem: Stuck In Neutral?? Pics Added

There are 2 seals there ,accessed from inside the upper.Dosent matter much now. Like In said we dont know exactly how much oil was in there when things melted.You could try just an upper but I`d still have the lower disassembled for inspection of the bearings.
 

ShaneCarroll

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Re: Yet Another Problem: Stuck In Neutral?? Pics Added

Yeah, I know. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm getting a pretty hefty bill here either way. . But, it can't be completely stripped if the prop still locks into gear, can it?? (Disclaimer: just looking for a cheap way out) If things keep up like this, I may just have to sell the boat.c. .:(
 

ShaneCarroll

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Re: Yet Another Problem: Stuck In Neutral?? Pics Added

Quick question, what gears are stripped? From the looks of it, the gears coming from the driveshaft and the ones coming from the propshaft (on the top) look like they still have teeth.
 

HT32BSX115

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Dec 8, 2005
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10,083
Re: Yet Another Problem: Stuck In Neutral?? Pics Added

Whew! From the looks of things you need a new camera too! unless you took other pictures I don't know how anyone can tell what's damaged. (Maybe my monitor needs to be focused)

If you toasted the drive from lack of oil or no oil, leaked out etc, the drive must come apart.

If you're paying someone to do this it will be a LOT more for a rebuild with an "arms length" warranty than getting an SEI drive with a 3 year warranty.

If you're going to use pictures to tell your tale, you might pre-view them.......(use manual focus if auto doesn't work) :D
 

ShaneCarroll

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Re: Yet Another Problem: Stuck In Neutral?? Pics Added

Well, I was gonna do it myself, or replace the outdrive. The pics probably came out messed up from a slight diagnosis of holiday and off-of-work inebriation. I don't really know where to turn, but I can't pay someone to do anything, that's for sure. I guess this is why boating is not a broke man's hobby. .
 

ShaneCarroll

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Feb 10, 2009
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Re: Yet Another Problem: Stuck In Neutral?? Pics Added

So, if I check the lower unit, and there is still oil in there, would it be safe to assume that the lower unit is okay? Also, someone mentioned I could replace the Gen II with a Pre-Alpha (entire outdrive), and everything would line up, the only difference is that the housing of the Pre-Alpha is smaller and lighter. So, any truth to that? Thank you.
 

nailem

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Dec 17, 2007
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Re: Yet Another Problem: Stuck In Neutral?? Pics Added

just a side note. you can not properly fill your drive from the top hole. gear lube is thick and filling this way the lube does not fill the reservoir but sits on top of everything inside and it will look like it is full when it is not. when you fill from the bottom you are sure you are squeezing the lube up through and out the top.
 

ShaneCarroll

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Feb 10, 2009
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Re: Yet Another Problem: Stuck In Neutral?? Pics Added

I appreciate all the input, however, I still have a couple unanswered questions:

1. If the lower unit still has oil in there (have not had a chance to check yet), would it be safe to assume that the lower unit is okay? Maybe after some "metal shavings" were cleaned out, if present?

If #1 is no, then:

2. Would a pre-alpha outdrive fit in place of a Gen II? I heard that the answer is yes, the only difference is the pre-alpha is slightly smaller and lighter, is this true?

Thank you for the help.
 
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