lower unit

[thurps]

I run exclusively in salt water. Even though my seals do not leak, is it a good idea to take the lower unit apart every few years so that it dosen't glue itself togeather? If so, how often?

 

[Bruce San]

Re: lower unit

If it ain' broke don't fix it.

Do mainatian it however. Do you change the gear lube and water pump impeller on a regular basis?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: lower unit

It is a good idea. At least remove the bolts, clean out the holes, and blue-loctite them every year or two. Grease the propshaft at least once a year, and grease the driveshaft splines every few years while replacing the impeller. Take that opportunity to remove any sediment in the pockets because that's like a sponge and prevents a flushing from reaching the aluminum under it.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: lower unit

I agree 100% with WBW....salt will get in there and make it one solid mess...been there, done that, still doing it. Whens the last time ya tried to get out a corroded 5/16ths broken SS bolt out of a Aluminum lower unit?

 

[thurps]

Re: lower unit

I replace the gear oil every year and the impeller about every two. I always use an anti-seze on the bolts. I was referring to pulling the prop shaft.

 

[Walker]

Re: lower unit

Instead of loctite or anti-sieze use OMC/BRP gasket sealer on the bolt threads. Loctite doesn't protect against corrosion and anti-sieze can actually cause bi-metal corrosion. Aluminum based anti-sieze should be okay though.