need gear case help

[john 1018]

Hi all I am new to iboats and new to i/o.
I have a 73 fiberform mercruiser 888 with ford 302, I beleive the out drive is pre alpha.
I went to change my gear case oil today and it was half full of water is this just the bellow or is there something else wrong.
also what kind of fuel mileage should I expect out of this motor, it seems to drink alot of fuel.
thanks for the halp
john1018

 

[Don S]

Re: need gear case help

Could be the bellows, the prop shaft seal, vertical shaft seal, seal between the upper and lower, and several I haven't mentioned.
Pull the drive and check the bellows. IF dry, drain the gear lube and do a pressure and vacuum test of the drive.