lower unit leaking?

[redneck88]

i noticed that on my 1980 140hp evinrude's lower unit was leaking this greenish oil out of the lower unit very slowly,sometimes it would stop,and if i tipped the motor to the other side it would start flowing out again and you could see some water seperating from it,was wondering if this is something to worry about,and if so would replacing the seals on it be easy to do my self or should i have a mechanic do it?thanks for yalls help.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: lower unit leaking?

Very definitely something to investigate. Have you checked the lower unit oil, both for level and condition.

Any signs of water in there or milkiness needs attention

Read http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=207285

Not impossible to renew seals yourself, it rather depends on you ability to do that sort of thing. Buy a manual first though.

 

[redneck88]

Re: lower unit leaking?

another thing i forgot to mention is i haven't lowered the motor since i took it out last,could this be why there is water coming out of the hole or should that not be happening at all?how do i check my oil level?is there a dipstick on one of the plugs?thanks for the info

 

[lindy46]

Re: lower unit leaking?

another thing i forgot to mention is i haven't lowered the motor since i took it out last,could this be why there is water coming out of the hole or should that not be happening at all?how do i check my oil level?is there a dipstick on one of the plugs?thanks for the info

If the motor has been tilted up and you lowered it back into running position, it is not unusual to see water drain out.

 

[redneck88]

Re: lower unit leaking?

do you think this could be my problem with the water in the lower unit still coming out since it hasnt been lowered yet?

 

[Rick.]

Re: lower unit leaking?

It is perfectly normal to see a brown to black oil coming out at the prop or the leg drain. It is unburned oil that has gone through the cylinders. Greenish oil is more likely to be from the gear box. Take a better look at what you have. You mention the hole but I've no idea what hole your speaking of. To check the oil in the leg you remove the top plug and the oil should be at or very close to the invert (bottom) of the hole. Rick.

 

[lindy46]

Re: lower unit leaking?

do you think this could be my problem with the water in the lower unit still coming out since it hasnt been lowered yet?

Not a problem unless you have freezing temps - then the water could cause damage when it freezes and expands. Water is normally in the cavity around the water pump and does not get into the gearcase due to seals which keep it out. Placing motor in a vertical position just allows the water to drain out.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: lower unit leaking?

Agreed the water is no problem but oil leaking from the LU is. Apart from the loss of oil there may be water getting in.

Sounds as though the oil may not have been changed lately. I'd recommend draining it and if it is milky looking and especially if there is a visible quantity of water in the gearcase the reason should be investigated. It could simply be due to bad seals on the drain and level plugs or it could be any of the other seals.

See THIS DIAGRAM

Leaks from the prop-shaft seals #31 would appear from behind the prop

Most likely IMHO are the drive shaft seals #7 But there are also several O rings that could leak

Note that the drain and level plugs are #53 and#45.
DO NOT remove screw #3

 

[redneck88]

Re: lower unit leaking?

i just took it to a mechanic to do some carb work and change out the lower unit oil and other times that ive ran the motor i have never noticed it doing that but i lowered the motor after i pulled it out all those other times.im fixing to go get some pics for more details.thanks for yalls info

 

[redneck88]

Re: lower unit leaking?

well i left the motor tilted all the way down and leaned it to the side it was draining and left like that all last night,went back to check it today and didnt see any oil coming out of the hole or a trail of it either but it has been raining a little bit too, any ideas?is this just something i should keep an eye to see if it gets worse?

 

[Vic.S]

Re: lower unit leaking?

If you have seen gear oil leaking from the unit there is a real possiblity that water will also be getting in.

The very least I would do is check the oil for signs of water ingress. Free water in the bottom or any more than slight milkiness.


Oil is not likely to continue leaking while it is standing as the seals are at the top. If you do run it check again afterwards because it is while it is running that oil may leak from it.(and water get in)

 

[redneck88]

Re: lower unit leaking?

well the stuff that was seperating looked like water but my buddy told me said it smelt like gas (my nose doesnt work),but basically what youre saying is if its leaking oil period i should get it checked out,what r the exact tools i need and how do i check if the seals are holding?this just keeps eating at me,thanks

 

[Vic.S]

Re: lower unit leaking?

If it is leaking gear oil it needs investigation. If it is just water that smells of gas then it probably is water and a little unburnt gas.

The link to the FAQ I gave in my first reply says it all.

I dont think any special tools are required to change any of the seals but I would strongly advise referring to a workshop manual.

A repair shop should be able to pressure and vacuum test the unit as a means of testing the seals and identifying any that leak although it could be false economy to only change the defective one.

 

[Mas]

Re: lower unit leaking?

What color is the 2-stroke mix you're using in your gas? I've seen all colors lately. Most likely, you're seeing unburned oil...but you gotta check the LU lube to make sure it's not milky. All you need is a large flat blade screwdriver and some replacement washers after you removed the plug. Look for two "over sized" plugs on your lower unit. The lowest plug is the drain. Above that, you should see a phillips screw...DO NOT TOUCH THAT SCREW! Above that, you should see another plug (the vent) that's exactly like the lower one in size and shape.

Remove the top plug to vent, then remove the lower one and allow just a little lube to come out. If water first comes out or the lube is milky...you've got issues. The lube should be like honey. Put your finger over the vent hole top stop the flow of oil if everything looks OK. If you need to add more lube, fill lube oil in by pumping it in from the bottom drain until it flows out the the top vent.

MAS