You know the say. If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. Well, after paying $500 for an old six cylinder Merc and learning it was junk, I sold it on eBay for $35. Then I bought a Merc 650 for $500 (which I was told the lower unit from the six cylinder motor would have bolted right on.) Now I learn the seals are shot in the lower unit. (had it filled and after about 10 hours use it is pretty much all water in there.) Since I've bungled about every outboard repair job I've started, I check with a Merc shop to see what it would cost to replace the seals. I was told it would be around $600! Now I'm wondering why can't I just fill the lower unit with grease each time I use the boat and drain it when I get back? I probably won't take the boat out more than half a dozen times a year and I'm 72 so how many more years will I be running it? I know this will go against the thinking of you who like to fix old motors but for me, a poor old guy, wouldn't that be the cheapest answer?