1989 xr4 150 Water in lower unit HELP PLEASE!!!!

[Greydog]

I pulled my boat out and noticed milky gear oil coming out out of the weep hole at top of foot. Where do I start? If I put on a set of ear muffs and run it in the yard can I check the water pump seals that way? I have never taken a foot apart before. I found gasket kits that seem to include every seal from prop shaft to water pump. Any help and direction would be greatly appreciated.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 1989 xr4 150 Water in lower unit HELP PLEASE!!!!

Are you sure it's gear oil and not unburned OB oil? To make sure the lower unit is OK, drain the LU and look for water in the oil. To make absolutely sure if there's any doubt, pressure and vacuum test the LU with it empty of oil.

 

[Greydog]

Re: 1989 xr4 150 Water in lower unit HELP PLEASE!!!!

Yes I drained the LU and there was water in the gear lube. I even refilled it and ran it at the ramp and same. Dont know how to vacuum test but I am sure it was water in LU. Kneed to know what the best approach to this would be. Thanks.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 1989 xr4 150 Water in lower unit HELP PLEASE!!!!

The only way to know with certainty where it's leaking is to pressure/vacuum test. Pressure must be under 15 psig and vacuum is whatever you can get. If you don't have a vacuum pump, Mytee makes a hand pump for bleeding brakes that'l do.<br /><br />Pressurize the LU and submerge in water (a kiddie pool, etc will do) and you will see where the leak(s) is.<br /><br />If you don't have a fixture, you can make one up with a tee, a gauge , a Schrader valve and an adapter for the fill hole. A good LU will hold some pressure or vacuum for at least 30 minutes.

 

[Greydog]

Re: 1989 xr4 150 Water in lower unit HELP PLEASE!!!!

Thanks wildone for getting me headed in the right direction

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 1989 xr4 150 Water in lower unit HELP PLEASE!!!!

hello<br /> if its weeping from a drain hole its most likly the shift shaft or drive shaft seals. both are easy to change. the shift shaft bushing requires a 25 dollar tool to remove. the drive shaft seals are in the lower pump base and its easiest to purchaase a new base with the seals installed. merc sells a complete pump housing kit that includes all parts nessasary to change the pump and lower base.