6 hp E/rude coils and lower unit

[Tim Frank]

I have a 6 hp Eninrude, 1975 6504R
There is a lower unit leak, that was not repaired by new plug washers.
Motor is run less than 40 hours/season, seldom at more than 3/4 throttle;
at the fall oil change there is the dreaded milkshake-oil/water emulsion.
Is the lubrication substantially compromised by this and if I ignore this will it greatly reduce the life of the gears given the annual run time and operating speed?
Can I be opening a can of worms if I disturb the gearbox to change seals?
Could I just change the oil as i do now and monitor in case it gets worse, then react?


Different problem same motor...it became a submerged motor this spring....that story may end up in "Stupid human tricks"...but I would just as soon forget.

Did the routine to get it running...when I popped the flywheel and dried all the ignition components I noticed that the plastic housing on one of the coils was cracked. The motor still started up and runs just fine.

A visual on the points says it is time to R&R with condensors which i will do; but the motor is a "spare" and i don't want to put any more $$ into it than necessary, so $35- for a new coil to replace one that is still operating fine is a struggle.

The question..... can a coil failing do any collateral damage? Can't think of any downside to just letting it go until it fails, but with the wisdom available in here, can't hurt to double check.
Also, there should not be any reason not to replace only one coil if that is the problem....should there? I've replaced pairs of older type coils that were disintegrating, but if there is just a visible problem with one coil...or it fails....
This is operated only an a small freshwater lake and I am prepared to row home from anywhere on the lake if it does crap out...although one cylinder should get me home.....

 

[Rick.]

Re: 6 hp E/rude coils and lower unit

On the matter of water in the gear case I would suggest the low usage is probably worse than if you used it all the time. Water will seperate and stay seperated longer between uses. Water will cause rust so I think I would tend to that rather than ignore it. You never said how much water and I am assuming it is more that say a few table spoons.

I'm not aware of any collateral damage from a bad coil. You may well find the cracked coil works for a long time considering your usage pattern. Rick.

 

[F_R]

Re: 6 hp E/rude coils and lower unit

If money is that big an issue, I suggest replacing the coil and change the gear oil oftener. That coil will let you down sooner or later. As you suggested, take the oars along.