Bottom End

[ehve8r]

I have a 84 115hp Merc. outboard. I just changed the leg oil and the oil was caramel colour. I had the impeller done last year so the oil was done then, but what I am wondering is this. Does the colour of the leg oil in anyway, tells you about the severity of the problem. Like if it would mean rust or it came possibly from a cracked head etc. Maybe it is time to buy a new motor. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Bottom End

Don't get too carried away! Change the oil, and the fill and vent screw gaskets. Take it out for a run and recheck. Recheck on a regular basis to determine the severity of the leak. You may find the leak stopped when you changed the gaskets on the screws (common). Even if the leak continues, it not the end of the world to reseal the bottom end...... A pressure test can be done to determine the exact area of leak, but I'd do the easy stuff first....change the oil and gaskets

 

[ehve8r]

Re: Bottom End

Interesting, I did not see any gaskets on the screws. Maybe that is the problem. Where would I get them, and as a alternative what do you think about some marine silicon on the screws?

 

[G DANE]

Re: Bottom End

Hi Ehve8r<br /><br />Some models have a nylon gasket on lower unit, on outside of threads. However this arrangement can start to leak when years pass by. Using a small o-ring around screw and a bit of silicone gasket makes it leakproof.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Bottom End

Gaskets for LU fill/vent screws available at any Merc/Mariner dealer.