Lower unit bearings, water intrusion question

[ShoestringMariner]

I hope this is a silly question but I am wondering if the bearings in lower units are stainless or mild steel.
If the lower unit gets water in the oil, is the common practice to simply drain oil, change seals, pressure test and give it a whirl?

Or would a unit that’s been sitting for a while with some water in the oil be considered compromised similar to a powerhead getting water inside without immediate attention? (rust and pitting damage on bearings)

I picked up a clean 60 hp motor (1986) with really good compression last year. But there’s water in the lower unit. I was told it is been sitting for a few years so I’m wondering if I’m looking at a full lower unit rebuild.
Thanks in advance

 

[racerone]

They are just standard bearings.----Take the unit apart for inspection.-----I do not consider those gearcases to be robust.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

They are just standard bearings.----Take the unit apart for inspection.-----I do not consider those gearcases to be robust.

Thanks. By standard bearings, do you mean “local industrial bearing supply house” standard?

 

[F_R]

I hope this is a silly question but I am wondering if the bearings in lower units are stainless or mild steel.
If the lower unit gets water in the oil, is the common practice to simply drain oil, change seals, pressure test and give it a whirl?

Or would a unit that’s been sitting for a while with some water in the oil be considered compromised similar to a powerhead getting water inside without immediate attention? (rust and pitting damage on bearings)

I picked up a clean 60 hp motor (1986) with really good compression last year. But there’s water in the lower unit. I was told it is been sitting for a few years so I’m wondering if I’m looking at a full lower unit rebuild.
Thanks in advance

Bearings are neither stainless nor mild steel. They are precision ground hardened ball and roller bearings. They will be damaged by water just as any other ball or roller bearing. It really depends on how much water, salt or fresh, and how much oil was mixed with the water. As said, only an examination can tell for sure.

 

[racerone]

Walking around your motor or jumping up and down won't help.----Take it apart and examine bearings with a magnifying glass.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Walking around your motor or jumping up and down won't help.----Take it apart and examine bearings with a magnifying glass.

I realize I ask a lot of questions and while I and my username come across as cheap, I’d actually like to be seen as “cost conscious”. I’m trying to gauge what I’m in for cost wise to do a full rebuild, should it be necessary. So if I’m potentially $400 inparts plus hours of my time VS $300 lower unit... all for a play around motor I’m not keeping.

if I’m only looking at say $100 for bearings/parts sort of thing, I’ll likely commit to it.

I’m the type than needs to know (roughly) before it comes apart...I still have thousands more I plan on spending on fishing, nav and other boat gear...money needs to go a long way.

 

[racerone]

Model # is ??-----I assume you have a 3 cylinder motor.------The 3 cylinder gearcase is robust.----Just take the bearings to your local bearing outlet for replacement 1/4 or 1/3 of factory price.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Model # is ??-----I assume you have a 3 cylinder motor.------The 3 cylinder gearcase is robust.----Just take the bearings to your local bearing outlet for replacement 1/4 or 1/3 of factory price.

Excellent, that’s what I wondering.
worthwhile then

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Excellent, that’s what I wondering.
worthwhile then

Model # is ??-----I assume you have a 3 cylinder motor.------The 3 cylinder gearcase is robust.----Just take the bearings to your local bearing outlet for replacement 1/4 or 1/3 of factory price.

And yes, 3 cyl

 

[oldboat1]

Have you drained the l.u. to see what you have? A dribble or a gearcase full?

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Have you drained the l.u. to see what you have? A dribble or a gearcase full?

Not full drain, just did the quick check. (Open screw, let some out, close up)

I’ll do a full drain when I pull the boat out