Lower Unit & PB Blaster

[ptownmobber]

1988 Rude 15hp

I think my lower unit seals are slightly bad. Had minor leak of lube. Just wondering if i flush out lube with water, then flush with PB Blaster ( which says restores seals & O rings... but also says may damage some plastics) Does anyone know if this works and am i gonna screw anything up?

I realize this may only be a quick fix but id like to get on the water this 4th of July and deal with the O rings in the winter.

Thanks for any help

 

[imported_lorin]

Re: Lower Unit & PB Blaster

You're going to screw something up if you put water in your gearcase. There are needle bearings in there and they tend to rust when exposed to water. I'm not familiar with PB blaster but if it's a product thats used on systems like auto power steering then I highly doubt it will help your gearcse seals. Gear oil is much heavier than oils like power steering fluid. I've never heard of use of anything like this in gearcases. Where is the gearcase leaking? If it's a black oily liquid dripping out of the propeller housing it's probably just exhaust crappola and has nothing to do with the gearoil. If it's a real minor leak and you don't want to fix it right away why dont you just check the level before you go out each time.

 

[ptownmobber]

Re: Lower Unit & PB Blaster

It was coming out of the prop housing, but just slightly. Took off prop and a substancially (?) more came out?

Anybody have any experience with PB Blaster?

 

[ptownmobber]

Re: Lower Unit & PB Blaster

And should I just leave the damn prop on next time to keep whatever's in there IN???

 

[klpaul]

Re: Lower Unit & PB Blaster

I am an automotive tech and use PB Blaster all the time. Frankly, we use it in spray cans and I have never seen it used as a flush. It does clean well and have some very slight swelling properties with rubber based gaskets but it's primary use is for breaking through rust. I am sorry but I am clueless with boats but I can definetly tell you that if you have more than an overnight dribble in will not help. In fact, although PB Blaster will swell seals temporarily , it will also cause advanced breakdown after it dries out. In other words any improvement will only further damage it in the long run. In short, the quick easy fix is always a waste of money. You have diagnosed the problem, go ahead and bite the bullett. Just rember this, I am clueless with outboard engines.