pressure testing a lower unit, 61' 5.5

[JSGOLD]

Something told me to check the gear oil in my old 61' 5.5 today as I was looking at the throttle linkage on it. I was surprised to see VERY milky fluid. I changed the lube out in June when I first started using the motor, and the old stuff had a tea spoon of pure water in it but was not milky. It was dark though and it was all I could do to remove the old sealing washers from the drain holes. I mean they were petrified.....(I did use OEM ones to replace them too.) I was thinking of changing it again, running it the first warm day we get and see if maybe I just did a poor job of sealing it up the first time. If this turns out poorly what kind of tool would you use to pressure test the lower unit? Would like to narrow down the leak if it stays. My plans call for removing the unit for an impeller replacement this winter anyway, might have to add to those plans.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: pressure testing a lower unit, 61' 5.5

If it's that old and you are concerned about a leaking LU (most of them leak I find) I would change all the seals during the off season. I have gotten to the point where I just change the LU oil mid season if I have a leaky LU. And I think I have the parts manual for that engine if you want it, PM me with your request and email.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: pressure testing a lower unit, 61' 5.5

Thanks, will add that to the "to do" list on the motor this winter. I have a parts book, guess I will need to invest in a service manual. I was concerned that although I see no leaking from them I may have scratched the drain hole openings while removing the ancient washers. I will do some additonal research on this but eventually I need to test the LU, even when new seals are replaced.