Lower unit oil seal

[floattest]

Been using this boat for 4 seasons now. 1979 OMC 800 drive with a 5.7 GM. I've always struggled keeping water out of the upper but the lower with its quart of oil was always clean and clear when I changed it.

Not anymore, the lower is getting quite a bit of water in it. I was changing it and then a lot of water, 4 ounces maybe poured out the drain screw before any oil.

I filled it back up and noticed that it was actually leaking out the drive in front of the prop hub.

Is this a seal on the prop shaft maybe? Is it easily replaceable. Have a manual but haven't looked it up yet. Just noticed this yesterday.

thanks,

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Lower unit oil seal

Two or three places that drive can leak oil.
Need to pressure test to find the leak.
Remove the prop and see if it's leaking there.Then dig deeper.
Changing the seals isin't that hard.

 

[floattest]

Re: Lower unit oil seal

Removed the prop. The two back to back seals were pushed slightly aft and out of the bearing housing. So that was the main problem of water getting in and oil getting out. I'm going to replace those two seals and see if I can use it for a while until the lower unit can receive a complete seal kit.

I read through the procedure to remove the lower unit and replace all the seals. I know you say it's not that hard but it sure aint trivial either.

I don't have the special tools. And it appears that quite a few are required. The manual points out one in particular the special snap ring pliers to remove the snap rings inside the gear box, and the other one is the bearing case puller and it's special legs.

I'm sure I could work around the bearing and seal installation tools, maybe make my own.

I will also investigate a shop here in Everett that works on OMC about resealing the lower. There could be other places water is coming in and like jerry says no way to know without a proper pressure test.

We'll get her back online soon.