rusted lower unit

[ggreenbe]

The service guys say that my lower unit of my Yamaha 9.9,which is a kicker for my sailboat,is rusted so bad it will start leaking. They think this was caused by it being left in the water. It wasn't left in the water at all during the season. There were probably scratches on the metal. Is this common for Yamaha outboards? They say the bolt heads are rusted out too. ANy suggestions to remove them? Is this an unfortunate but hopeless situation? Thanks for any ideas. Gerry

 

[Don S]

Re: rusted lower unit

The outer parts of the lower unit are stainless steel and aluminum. Neither of which rusts.
The internal gears and bearing are steel, and if the lower unit gets water in it from a leaky seal, they will rust inside, but not outside.
Have you ever had milky gear lube when it was changed?