gear case leak...continued!!!!

[papamendy]

OK...drained gearcase and had a good amount of water run out...ordered a lower unit seal kit..Question?? what is most likely source of leak? if lower o-ring went bad would this let water in...or would it most likely have come from another source.(higher up,such as water pump)..causing the lower o-ring to fail because of too much fluid in gearcase...thereby causing the drip behind the prop.anyone have a similar experience they could share...thanks..peter

 

[OBJ]

Re: gear case leak...continued!!!!

papa....best way to find the leak is to put a little air pressure in the gear case and submerge it. If you have a shift rod (you didn't post hp or year) the shift rod oring can leak. Seals under the water pump and on the prop shaft can also give headaches.

 

[papamendy]

Re: gear case leak...continued!!!!

OBJ the motor is an 83 90hp v4...so what you are saying is to leave the lower unit on..submerge in tank of water and apply a small amount of air (through lube filler hole??)to see where possible leak is , or is this after unit is removed with all o-rings and seals intact. The shop manual says to remove the shift rod upper retention pin...however I dont see one on the motor...Im guessing the linkage must be unhooked at the engine so it will come off with the lower unit. I have the shop manual however not all pics and descriptions fit the motor.Manual covers variety of years incl. the 83 90hp...whatever the problem barring a loose bolt or screw...Im hopeing intstalling a complete lower unit seal kit,with o-rings and gaskets will solve the problem...the motor although an 83 has less than 100 hrs on it.Any other suggestions you have would br greatly appreciated.thanks...motor has also only been run in fresh water.

 

[OBJ]

Re: gear case leak...continued!!!!

It's easier (believe it or not) to take the lower unit off and hunt for leaks. I use a bicycle pump with an adaptor to put a little pressure into the lower unit.....do this before removing seals and stuff.<br /><br />The ship rod pin or bolt is under and to the rear of the lower carb. You can see from the port side of the engine block. A 1/4" drive with universal joint is helpful for removal/installation.<br /><br />If it's been a while to your knowledge since the lower unit has been resealed, I'd go for the whole thing. But I would before hand find the leak so that when you retest after the reseal, you will know you've gotten the job done right.

 

[papamendy]

Re: gear case leak...continued!!!!

OBJ...thanks for the info....Peter