Lower Unit Problems

J

Joey1805

Cadet
Joined
Apr 30, 2003
Messages
23
Hello all,<br /><br />I have a 1993 Bayliner 1800 with a Force 120 outboard engine. I just took it out for the first time today in the ocean. Not more that 10 minutes out and the the motor comes to a screaching half and will not turn over again. The motor seized. After getting it back to my house I pulled the drain plug in the lower unit and no oil came out. It was empty! I also noticed that the seal around the drain screw was broken. Apparently the oil had been leaking out on my grass and I didnt see it. I now noticed a patch of dead grass in the yard, go figure. I put the motor in gear and I can barley turn the prop. If I put oil in it, is it possible that i can unfreeze it? Or is my lower unit totally gone? I also noticed that the motor will not turn over even if it's in neutral. I pulled the lower unit off and the engine starts fine. Does anyone have a used one for sale?<br /><br />Any advice would be great... <br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Joey
 
eurolarva

eurolarva

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
4,182
Re: Lower Unit Problems

Might want to post your model number. That will tell the year and the shaft length. Might want to get oil in the lower unit and turn the driveshaft by hand to work the oil in. I doubt this will unfreeze the unit but it might help flush out the salt. If you choose to rebuild this lower unit some of the parts may still work. Try ebay. They sell alot of force parts. I think a few people here have lower units for sale.
 
S

scotiany

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
749
Re: Lower Unit Problems

Just a suggestion. If it seized up in the ocean, you should flush the powerhead any way you can. See if there's a LU up for bids on ebay.
 
T

The Marine Doctor

Commander
Joined
Jul 25, 2003
Messages
2,177
Re: Lower Unit Problems

Its possible that the upper brg is seized and the rest of the drive is ok. Tear it down and have a look..this will give you an idea of how much money you have to spend.<br /><br />TMD
 
J

Joey1805

Cadet
Joined
Apr 30, 2003
Messages
23
Re: Lower Unit Problems

How can I flush the power head since I cant hook water up to it? The lower unit is off the boat. <br /><br />I checked ebay and they dont have the correct lower unit I need for sale. I will get the model and serial number of the engine today and post it on my lunch break in a few hours. <br /><br />Just FYI, when I shift the rod in gear, I can spin the prop about 2 inches each way and I can see the drive shaft reacting to it. <br /><br />How would I find out of anyone has a used one for sale? Also where would I find instructions on tearing this unit apart?<br /><br />Thanks for all your help,<br /><br />Joey
 
S

scotiany

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
749
Re: Lower Unit Problems

Hook up a garden hose to the water tube in the motor leg. You should take out thermostat and replace cover before you do it .BTW, the water will run back out the motor leg.
 
S

scotiany

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
749
Re: Lower Unit Problems

I not absolutely sure of this but, if your drive shaft and bevel gear are OK and you prop shaft fwd-rev gears and shaft are OK, iboats or NAPA should have bearings .
 
J

Joey1805

Cadet
Joined
Apr 30, 2003
Messages
23
Re: Lower Unit Problems

When I flush my engine, I have to use the suction cups around the lower unit. I dont have a "pisser" off the side of the engine. There are two small holes about half way down off the rear end. <br /><br />Can I not use that tool?
 
J

Joey1805

Cadet
Joined
Apr 30, 2003
Messages
23
Re: Lower Unit Problems

Got into a huge arguement with the owner of the local boat shop because he told me he would charge me one hour labor at 90 bucks an hour to tear the unit apart and tell me whats wrong. I get down there and he hands me a bill for 160 bucks. I argue back and forth with him about it and he's saying it took 1.8 hours instead. I signed my credit card receipt and wrote "Paid Under Dispute" on it. He ripped it out of my hands and tore it up and started yelling at me. I told him one hour labor, not 1.8! So basically now he wants 161 dollars cash or I cant have my lower unit back. Also he will not work on it anymore and is giving me a box back with my torn apart lower unit in it. This guy is a swine! How hard would it be to replace one bearing and one shim in the lower unit oncce it's torn apart and to put it back together? Also any idea of the cost?
 
J

Joey1805

Cadet
Joined
Apr 30, 2003
Messages
23
Re: Lower Unit Problems

Also, another question for you mechanics out there. Is anyone willing to put my lower unit back together if I pay for the parts and the time you spend to assemble it? I am running out of ideas here, can you tell?<br /><br /> :) <br /><br />Joey
 
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