Sand in lower unit !!!!!

[michaud500]

So I pulled the lower unit off my 1969 Mercury 500 and I have discovered sand everywhere,except the pump and impeller I think. My last cruise I bottomed out and messed up my prop. Could this be why there is sand in it?? Also where is the best place to get the right parts? I have been using Old Mercs, which I like. But would like and alternative.

The impeller was trash. Does this mean I should replace ALL the gaskets in the pump? I have only had the boat a little
while and am new to boating.

Thanks for your help!!!

 

[carholme]

Re: Sand in lower unit !!!!!

Well it sure would have sucked in some sand.

The 1969 is a model:

1500109 MERCURY 1969 50

Parts listing:

http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/437.cfm

For the cost of the gaskets, I would replace them and most of all, give the engine a good flushing. When the Lower unit is off for the impeller change, ensure that the long water tube is clear and adapt a water hose to the bottom end and let the water flow through the engine.

Gerry

 

[michaud500]

Re: Sand in lower unit !!!!!

Thanks for the insight. To flush you mean some how hook up a hose to the tube that goes from the engine to the pump?

 

[carholme]

Re: Sand in lower unit !!!!!

Yes from the bottom up into the engine.


Gerry