Time for lower unit seal kit?

[sutor623]

'84 75hp. Put my first 10 solid hours on the motor and did a lower unit gear oil change for peace of mind. No metal on drain plug magnet. Used the sae90 quicksilver blue oil. Had a small ribbon of white come out in oil. Hadn't run motor in a month. Here are some pictures. You guys think I need seals or is this in the norm?

 

[Randy000]

Re: Time for lower unit seal kit?

It's hard to tell by the picture how much water was in there but a little bit of water is normal from condensation. I'd personally drain it out and service it up, if it wasn't to much. Sitting for a month not only allowed condensation but allowed it to pool up and separate.

 

[OptsyEagle]

Re: Time for lower unit seal kit?

Best way to test for water in LU is to give it a few days to sit before you drain it. That allows time for the water to separate and move to the bottom. When you remove the drain plug any water just flows out clear. Anyway, I would just change the drain and vent washers, refill it and try it again. A little water isn't going to hurt anything unless it is allowed to freeze over winter.

 

[sutor623]

Re: Time for lower unit seal kit?

Cool thanks guys. I actually did not see any water at all when I drained it right after I bought it, and didn't see any water when I just drained it. I do fish this boat in the winter so I can't have water in this girl at all around that time of year. I usually go out about 5-6 times per winter, and drain the L/U after each outing. Just a little paranoia.

 

[OptsyEagle]

Re: Time for lower unit seal kit?

You can usually check it pretty easily. After it sits for a few days, just open the drain (lower) plug and the water will usually come right out, or a drop or two of oil depending on what is in there, without opening up the vent plug. Do it quick and the few drops of oil lost will be irrelevant. Keep in mind however, that the nylon washers they use these days are supposed to be single use plugs, so if you check it a couple times and you don't have water, and then you do, it is probably because of wear on the washer, as opposed to anything else. Just change the washer and check it again.

As I said, unless a lot of water comes gushing out, I doubt you will have any excess wear on the gears.

 

[sutor623]

Re: Time for lower unit seal kit?

Cool thanks for your input. I am alway keeping my eyes peele for spare lower units. The 50-75hp lower units for rudies are hard to find!!'