Pressure testing lower unit

[mankato]

After a costly lower unit failure on a supposed new OEM complete lower unit, I'm thinking it would be a good idea to regularly pressure test my new gearcase myself. Does anyone else pressure test theirs and do you use a commercial tool or did you make one yourself ? Looking for ideas.

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: Pressure testing lower unit

buy a mity vac hand pump #04555 is the one u want http://www.mityvac.com/pages/products_hvp.asp

then u need the addapeters which u can get them like at home depot

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Pressure testing lower unit

Try here for combination pressure/vacuum tester:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Outd...ryZ26455QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[ezeke]

Re: Pressure testing lower unit

If you buy a 55008 Lube Tube like the one shown here, you will find that the male fitting is perfect for your gearcase.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...=800107502&list_time=1162768411&view_id=47669

When you are not using the assembly for oil, you can put the fitting on any pump with a pressure gauge and do a good pressure test.

If you test whenever you drain the gear lube, just pump the empty gearcase to 10 to12 PSI, and submerge it. Any leaks will be apparent.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Pressure testing lower unit

I cheat and use an old bike pump with a guage on it.

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: Pressure testing lower unit

Try here for combination pressure/vacuum tester:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Outd...ryZ26455QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

i think that is a little over priced
mity vac with the attachment is the way to go

u need a vacuum and pressure tester
pressure for oil leakage out
vacuum for water leakage inward

 

[mankato]

Re: Pressure testing lower unit

Excellent.... thanks for all the ideas. I'm going to call a Mityvac distributor tomorrow and I'll order that Lubrimatic lube tube as well.That sounds like exactly what I was looking for. Thanks guys!

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: Pressure testing lower unit

remember to check vac and pressure on top vent hole
check pressure on fill hole (bottom) unless u only have 1 hole on your lower unit

also submerge it in water and let it stay in there for at least 2 hrs

some lower units can not handle over 15psi, so check this in the manufactures service manual not the aftermarket ones

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Pressure testing lower unit

Don't run the pressure too high - you could blow perfectly good seals. I run it two ways, just a couple psi (let it sit for 15 minutes), then 8 psi (leave it overnight, then check it). It's true you ideally want to both pressure & vacuum test it, but I find a pressure test followed by a lake test, finds just about any leaks.

Secondly, if you know you have a leak, a pressure test with the lower unit dunked in a tank, is a great way to find where the leak is. If it's been leaking, you generally should tear the LU down anyway, to check the bearings & surfaces, but it' still helps to know where it's leaking.