1981 Evinrude 115hp lower unit leaking from carrier bearing bolts

[atktom]

I have had this problem for a few years. The lower unit leaks from the 4 carrier bearing bolts. I tighten them and the problem comes back. It does not leak much but if the lower unit is all the way down it will leak out about 1/8 cup over a few days. I ordered new bolts and installed them with the o ring on each bolt. Problem came back in 105° weather.. Now if I tilt the lower unit so it is about and inch higher at the prop compared to the front it seems not to leak. When i changed the oil about every 90 days there is very little water in it. I have just about convinced myself to just live with this, but wanted other takes on this matter. Thanks in advance.

 

[racerone]

Needs to be resealed.

 

[boobie]

Stop the guess work. Get the lower unit pressure and vacuum checked and then you'll know where it leaks.

 

[atktom]

Update: Thanks boobie, I finally got a pressure tester. Turns out it is leaking around the big O-ring at the back of the bearing carrier. I had an older corroded lower unit I bought as a backup and it was holding pressure fine, so I put that one on till I can afford the parts and a bearing carrier pulling tool to fix the one I took off.

 

[boobie]

Glad you got it figured out. Nothing like testing rather than guessing.