Exhaust from lower unit separation

[wheeldawg]

I replaced the shift cover plate in my lower unit and put averything back, I thought, like it came apart. I did this about 2-3 months ago. I have not had a chance to take the boat out. I was going to take it out in the morning and started it up this afternoon. While it is running, there is exaust spitting out at the point where the lower unit seperates. It appears there may be water coming out too. The motor is peeing water good. Can anyone enlighten me as to what I migth have missed? I remember there being a rubber exhaust gasket down there, and pretty sure I put it back like it was. Thanks in advance.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Exhaust from lower unit separation

That's a metal to metal contact surface. Water escaping there is normal but it will eventually clog up with debris etc.

You could have used Bombardiers 3M product #847 on the top of the lower unit surface, let it set up a few minutes, then installed the lower unit. That normally seals that area up good by the time you get it to the water. You could still drop th lower unit down a 1/4" or so and squeeze the sealer in but it can get a little messy.

 

[wheeldawg]

Re: Exhaust from lower unit separation

What about the exhaust? Is it normal to have some leakage there?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Exhaust from lower unit separation

No, there is a rubber seal at the bottom area of the exhaust tuning tube that sits into the recessed portion of the lower unit to prevent that. If that seal got folded over (or is missing), exhaust would have access to that seal joint.

 

[wheeldawg]

Re: Exhaust from lower unit separation

So, I'll need to drop it and check it I guess. Dang! The oil is right on top of us and I was hoping to go out and get some fish before that. Thanks for the info. I remember the exhaust gasket. I thought I put it in the right place, but I can see how it could get folded with a little misalignment. GUess I'll try to get it fiex tomorrow and go the next day.

Thanks again.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Exhaust from lower unit separation

Best to have that rubber seal attached to the tuning tube with the sealer I mentioned, then grease the facing portion of it slightly so that it will slide in.

 

[wheeldawg]

Re: Exhaust from lower unit separation

I dropped the lower unit this morning a little and was able to see that the rubber gasket had rolled a little at one spot (where I saw the exhaust spitting out). I unrolled it and reseated the lower unit and it does not leak exhaust now. I am not going to go out until tomorrow, so I'm thinking about dropping it like you said, about 1/4" and using the sealant you noted. Is that something I can get at West Marine? I should be able to drop it 1/4" easy enough without having to disconnect anything right?
Thanks

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Exhaust from lower unit separation

Yes, a 1/4" drop won't distrub anything. I don't know if West Marine would have the exact sealer but they should have a substitute. It's a very sticky substance that you can lay a bead on the surface, and let it set up somewhat within a few minutes.

 

[F_R]

Re: Exhaust from lower unit separation

If it bothers you to see the water spritzing out, go ahead and seal it. But as Joe already said, it is not a problem. Any water coming out there has already done its cooling task and is destined to go out by normal routes anyway. As a matter of fact, somewhere around that seam you will find drain holes that were put there on purpose. Don't seal the drains.