I'm the original owner of this outboard. I noticed some blue green oil on skeg and snow below it this last winter, so figured it was either unspent fuel (my 2-stroke oil is tinted blue), or gearcase fluid (mine is tinted green). Very hard to tell difference, but if it was really gearcase fluid it would have to be a big leak, and would had to have oocured without the engine even running. Last thing I do when I winterize is change the gearcase fluid, and it always looks just like when its new. Last fall I also changed the water pump, and did not notice any fluid by shift rod or driveshaft.
So yesterday I drained and pressure tested it (I did not take off the lower unit). I figured if it failed test I'd just order the gearcase seal kit and do everything. I did remove the prop to get a visual of the bearing housing and seals. Per manual, I pressure tested to 3-6 PSI. I sprayed soapy water on seal and housing where it bolts in. No leaks. I increased pressure to 16 PSI. I spun the prop shaft and no leaks at seals, but in forward top left section of bearing housing I could see just a few small slowly forming bubbles. None on bolts, just the housing. I left it at 16 PSI for 30 min and it lost only 2 PSI. So I'm positive what I saw on skeg had to be unspent fuel/oil mix. I ordered the kit anyway and plan to do it in the fall, given this engine is now going into its 36th year of service.
Am I wrong to wait to fall? I figure it really didn't have a leak, and that would give me time to find or make the tools I need. Thanks, Jim
So yesterday I drained and pressure tested it (I did not take off the lower unit). I figured if it failed test I'd just order the gearcase seal kit and do everything. I did remove the prop to get a visual of the bearing housing and seals. Per manual, I pressure tested to 3-6 PSI. I sprayed soapy water on seal and housing where it bolts in. No leaks. I increased pressure to 16 PSI. I spun the prop shaft and no leaks at seals, but in forward top left section of bearing housing I could see just a few small slowly forming bubbles. None on bolts, just the housing. I left it at 16 PSI for 30 min and it lost only 2 PSI. So I'm positive what I saw on skeg had to be unspent fuel/oil mix. I ordered the kit anyway and plan to do it in the fall, given this engine is now going into its 36th year of service.
Am I wrong to wait to fall? I figure it really didn't have a leak, and that would give me time to find or make the tools I need. Thanks, Jim