Lower unit leak/milky

[stcroixjoe]

I have an 89 150 I noticed the other day when the motor was tilted up in the drivway there was a decent milky oil spot.I just changed the water pump ,impeller
Is there a seal between the lower unit and mid sectionn or is it metal to metal?
Are there "weep" holes on the motor to let extra oil leak out?
It doesnt leak when it's down ..........

 

[john from md]

Re: Lower unit leak/milky

Assuming you are not talking about your lower oil being milky, which is a serious problem, residual oil from the exhaust finds its way to several areas of the lower when the engine is tilted. Sometimes it drips out when straight up and down sometimes when tilted.

Most cases the oil looks black because it is mixed with exhaust gases. I have never seen 'clean' oil drip from an engine unless there was a leaking seal.

Have you checked to see if your lower oil is milky?

John

 

[stcroixjoe]

Re: Lower unit leak/milky

So does anyone know if there is a seal/gasket ? my manual doesnt show one....

 

[john from md]

Re: Lower unit leak/milky

There is no seal between the lower unit and the midleg. There is a seal for the shift rod and drive shaft internal to the lower unit. If these were leaking, you will have water in your lower unit. To test for this do the following.

Leave the engine in the straight up and down position for a couple of days. Postiion a glass container ( pyrex tray or white plastic tray) under the lower. Loosen the drain plug until fluid comes out. If there is water, it will come out before the oil. The oil behind it will be milkey if alot of water has seeped into the lower. If there is only a couple of drops of water and the oil is still dark, don't worry about it just check periodically as you will get some moisture from condensation.

John

 

[stcroixjoe]

Re: Lower unit leak/milky

Thank you, on the drive shaft seal on the water pump housing does it go inside the housing or on the outside?

 

[john from md]

Re: Lower unit leak/milky

The seal and oring are installed in the water pump body. This is the long canoe shaped plate that is located under the water pump impeller housing.

John