Lower unit questions

[wilson750]

I received a 88 mercury 90hp with the lower unit removed. I am going to replace the water pump and reinstall lower unit. Question is the top of the lower unit were it Mounts has some nicks where water would get in. I don't see any type of gasket or the top of the unit where it bolts back on. Is it just metal to metal?

 

[racerone]

Absolurely no need to worry here.----That area around the pump is all water when lower unit is in the water.

 

[wilson750]

Ok thanks. Just wanted to make sure it can't get into the lower unit oil.

 

[racerone]

Water is kept out of the lower unit be oil seals and o-rings on shafts and openings.---Not by a gasket between the lower unit and exhaust housing !

 

[Chris1956]

Do the nicks look like someone pried the gearcase off of the midsection? That would explain the nicks....

​Make sure you grease the driveshaft spline and shift shaft spline before reinstallation. Make sure to mate the driveshaft and shift shaft before installation.