No Oil in lower unit caused engine to quit

[eidenb]

When I bought my boat last year and took it out the first time, I forgot to check if the previous owner put oil in the lower unit. I guess he drained it for winter storage.
The issue is the engine killed while running at full throtle. After pulling out the plugs and replacing them, putting oil in the lower unit it started fine. I ran it for 2 or 3 minutes then drained the lower unit oil. There was some fine metal shavings on the plug, but nothing to major.
How fried do you all think the lower unit is and do you think I am going to have to replace it?

 

[Laddies]

Re: No Oil in lower unit caused engine to quit

You will at lest need a driveshaft needle brg, you may have ruined the driveshaft too and god only knows what else till you tear it down, if you run it there is always the chance it will through the pinion gear thru the side of the gear case and more.

 

[eidenb]

Re: No Oil in lower unit caused engine to quit

The needle bearing is were the metal shavings are came from? The engine seemed to run ok afterword while not in the water, haven't tested it in the water.

 

[j_martin]

Re: No Oil in lower unit caused engine to quit

The needle bearing is were the metal shavings are came from? The engine seemed to run ok afterword while not in the water, haven't tested it in the water.

WHAT STOPPED THE ENGINE WAS THE LOWER UNIT LOCKING UP.
(YES, I'M YELLING)

You need to tear it down (or have someone else do it) before you totally wreck it. As noted above, you have at least burned out bearings, and may have ruined the driveshaft. Go any more, and you can plan on totalling the lower unit, and maybe wreck the power head or hurt someone when it locks up.

hope it helps
John