how much metal shavings are normal

[mearguy71]

2006 yamaha 150 vmax 2 stroke. I just changed the gear oil in the lower unit. When I pulled out the bottom bolt there was about 1/4 inch thick of glitter size metal shavings stacked at the tip of the bolt. All of the shavings were about the size of small silver glitter, no big chuncks. The oil smelled a little burned but was not milky. The oil looked like it had never been changed before so im guessing its 5 years old. When I put this boat in the water and put it in forward gear it sputters and dies out. Is this amount of shavings to be expected? Can a bad gear cause your engine to die at idle speed when switching from neutral to forward? I have heard conflicting information about the amount of shavings that are normal.

 

[Triton II]

Re: how much metal shavings are normal

A solid couple of hundred hours of use without an oil change will lead to quite a build up, but in normal use the metal particles should be tiny. Remember the magnetic bolt is housed in a threaded sleeve and so the build up generally looks like a dark coloured extension of the bolt. Put the build up in a jar and add some solvent (WD40 works). The check whether the particle size is small and consistent, and if it is, a lower leg oil change is all that is required, don't forget to renew the sealing washers on the drain and level bolts. If you have longer slivers of metal you have trouble. Regarding the dying out under load, this is most likely not a gear problem, how are the carbs and fuel system?

TII

 

[robert graham]

Re: how much metal shavings are normal

Some fine metal powder on the magnetic drain plug if O.K., but you should drain and refill every year, just to be sure there's no leaking of the O-rings and seals on the lower unit. Just one bad seal and some water or saltwater in with your oil can really corrode, pit and damage the gears and bearings down there. Regarding your "dies when put in gear", sounds like a fuel delivery problem, probably in the pumps, filters, injectors, etc. If the lower unit oil has never been changed then it's a pretty good bet the other preventive maintenance has not been done. Good Luck!

 

[mearguy71]

Re: how much metal shavings are normal

Thanks for the replies. I drained the fuel completely, relaced the fuel water seperator, and refilled with alcohol free gas. I also changed the spark plugs with the recommended type and gap. Im not experienced enough in mechanics to disasemble the carbs so I took the boat to a certified yamaha repair shop this morning. Will see what turns up. They said 2 weeks just to look at it. Going to be a long 4th of July weekend with no boat!

 

[Triton II]

Re: how much metal shavings are normal

Good on you for recognising your limitations - and good luck with the shop repairs. Let us know how she goes after you get her back and enjoy the Independence Day Holiday despite the lack of a boat! Cheers,

TII

 

[mearguy71]

Re: how much metal shavings are normal

According to my dealer, the lower unit must be replaced. 2k just for a rebuilt lower unit + labor will get me back on the lake. My mechanic said that a little bit of dark colored shavings are ok but any silver shavings is a bad sign. Luckily for me I waited this late in my life to buy my first boat because in years past I wouldn't be able to afford fixing this.

 

[Triton II]

Re: how much metal shavings are normal

Have a look at this site (part of iboats): http://www.boatmotors.com/

But personally, instead of going straight ahead with a dealer rebuild or buying a rebuilt lower leg, I'd get the carbs rebuilt and the powerhead working as it should, then flush out the existing lower leg, replace the oil and check if the prop spins freely in neutral. Then splash her. Hopefully she won't die when you select forward.

Assuming your OB now engages gears and runs, putter around for a couple of hours selecting forward and reverse several times. Check again for signs of metal. Another big build up probably means you are up for a rebuild, but you never know your luck, it could be clear and you may get several hundred more hours out of the unit. Good luck.

TII

 

[steveinsene]

Re: how much metal shavings are normal

Shop around the internet, that price sounds pretty high. Maybe even check ebay.

 

[mearguy71]

Re: how much metal shavings are normal

He checked out the motor and there is nothing wrong with it or the carbs. I assume that is why the motor sounded great until it was put into gear. The Lower unit I am purchasing comes with a 1 year warranty as well.

 

[Triton II]

Re: how much metal shavings are normal

He checked out the motor and there is nothing wrong with it or the carbs. I assume that is why the motor sounded great until it was put into gear. The Lower unit I am purchasing comes with a 1 year warranty as well.

OK, good luck with it and enjoy your boating. Cheers,

TII

 

[mearguy71]

Re: how much metal shavings are normal

Thanks, appreciate the tips but Im worried I will cause more harm than good at this point if I continued to try to fix the problem on my own. Look forward to getting out on the lake soon.