Metal shavings on LU magnet screw. How screwed am I?

[ezmobee]

I changed my lower unit oil this weekend and when I pulled out the drain plug there were some metal shavings on the magnet. Am I guaranteed an imminent LU failure? If so, (or whenever my LU does die) are there less expensive ways to get back on the water than a $1000 iBoats rebuilt LU?

 

[F_R]

Re: Metal shavings on LU magnet screw. How screwed am I?

Don't friek out. How much shavings anyway? A few fine pieces and some dusty stuff isn't the end of the world. That's what the magnet is in there for. And that's why you are supposed to change the oil once in awhile.

 

[dsinger]

Re: Metal shavings on LU magnet screw. How screwed am I?

Is it on the 73 85hp. Just matters what the shaving were from. A little shavings or dust is normal but chunks are bad. It is a forced clutch system so some metal is going to be present. I have several for less than a 1000. Rebuilt ones should run around 500 to 600 with a pressure test and used untested around 100.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Metal shavings on LU magnet screw. How screwed am I?

Oh good. It was basically dust and a couple very thin slivers. No chunks. My dad tended to "ease" it into gear when he would use it which I scolded him about. Yes it is the Johnson 85.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Metal shavings on LU magnet screw. How screwed am I?

shifting is a swift shift, not the old let's listen to the cogs mesh. the gears and clutch dog are very square toothed, slow shifting wears the edges of the teeth, eventual causing the to jump out of gear.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Metal shavings on LU magnet screw. How screwed am I?

TD....I'm well aware!! The old man doesn't do anything swiftly. He's been warned. :|

 

[dsinger]

Re: Metal shavings on LU magnet screw. How screwed am I?

Just make sure your ideal is around 600 to 650max and put it in gear when you want to go.

 

[red boat]

Re: Metal shavings on LU magnet screw. How screwed am I?

I looked at the pictures of your boat and it looks GREAT!! Bet you have a big smile on your face going down the lake. Keep up the good work.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Metal shavings on LU magnet screw. How screwed am I?

Thanks a lot red boat. I sure do! It has been a fun experience. I was around boats my whole childhood but this is the first I've owned personally. The whole project boat thing is probably the only way this would have happened. Somehow going out and dropping a couple thousand on a used boat would not have gone over well with my wife (nor could I get my father to go in on one with me) but getting basically a free boat and dumping tons of money into fixing it up is OK!! :/