90HP Water Gushing out of shift lever

[Chun-Mu]

Hi All;<br /><br />I have a 1991 Merc 90HP; I have hot smokey exhaust water gushing out from where the shift lever goes in the lower unit and out of a small hole in the front side of the drive shaft housing. I changed the gaskets (top & bottom) of the exhaust plate to no avail. This is happening with the motor idling in a half-drum with water up to the cavitation plate<br />Is there something I’m missing here?? Or is it just a flaw in the design?? <br /><br />I have no temperature related problems.<br /><br />Any help would be greatly appreciated,<br /><br />Chundriss

 

[Chun-Mu]

Re: 90HP Water Gushing out of shift lever

Does anyone know what I'm talking 'bout?<br /><br />Please give your thouhts about this,<br /><br />I don't want to damage internals

 

[bryancx94]

Re: 90HP Water Gushing out of shift lever

Did you check to see if the gear oil was cloudy or milky? sounds like the exhaust is leaking into the gearbox and escaping through the shift shaft.

 

[Chunder06]

Re: 90HP Water Gushing out of shift lever

I would be looking for something untoward around the water pump.

 

[Chun-Mu]

Re: 90HP Water Gushing out of shift lever

hey guys;<br /><br />Thanks for the replies..<br /><br />I checked the gear oil and it was in perfect condition.<br />The exhaust cooling water seems to be sipping somehow into the compartment were the water tube and shaft is located because upon disassembly of the lower unit the water pump is all brownish of exhaust.<br /><br />Please give your thoughts about this..

 

[JasonJ]

Re: 90HP Water Gushing out of shift lever

As long as the lower unit is sealed and no water is getting into the lubrication, the exhaust can do whatever it wants. I can't vouch for your outboard, but I know the exhaust ends up everywhere in the leg on mine, its not a big deal.