leaking gear oil

[ejm845]

I went out to check my boat this spring and noticed oil on ground under motor after futher servey oil was coming from crack just below fill holes for gear oil on lower unit can any one tell me what happend 1989 85 hp force

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: leaking gear oil

First you have to determine if it's residual fogging oil, 2-stroke oil left after the gas evaporated, or gearlube. Color is the key.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: leaking gear oil

The crack you mentioned is the scary part. Did you drain and refill the lower unit last fall? If not was the motor in an area that can freeze? If so you may have had water in there and it expanded when it froze and cracked the lower unit.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: leaking gear oil

If you know of a GOOD welder, drain the oil and take it to him for repair. Make sure you tell him that the aluminum is a high silicon content alloy. Makes a difference when welding.
If not, look for a good used unit on one of the auctions. If oil is leaking out of a crack, water will most certainly get in.

 

[justin65]

Re: leaking gear oil

Just asked a good friend about it who is a Cert welder and he said if you cant find a welder to try any Machine shop because they would have more experience in wielding aluminum. (Car heads and such).

 

[ejm845]

Re: leaking gear oil

The crack you mentioned is the scary part. Did you drain and refill the lower unit last fall? If not was the motor in an area that can freeze? If so you may have had water in there and it expanded when it froze and cracked the lower unit.

I did not refill the lower unit and I am in an area that can freeze.What do you think about welding the 1 and a half inch crack. I know someone who told me that the gears get out of alinement sometimes when the case cracks any help would be appr

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: leaking gear oil

The upper drive shaft bearing is right at this area. From your description it sounds like the crack is right at the spot where the outer race seats in the case. At this point, rather than trying to diagnose what has happened, my advise to you is to drop the lower unit, remove the complete water pump assembly and see what problems developed in this area to cause the crack.
The drive shaft will not come out until the pinion is removed so it may also be necessary to remove the gear pak to see the condition of the upper bearing and race.