water in lower unit- 1960 merc 400

[59 classic boat]

I pulled the lower housing inspection screw out and goty only clear water no lube. The water was not rusty and the prop moves smoothly Is this a problem. I assume I pulled the corect screw to check the lube it looks like a countersunk machine screw short with an o-ring. I could not find anything on the search function and am totally new to any vessel less than 275' in length

 

[Motor Boater Bill]

Re: water in lower unit- 1960 merc 400

The drain plug is at the VERY bottom of the gear case, in the front to one side. You might have pulled the water flush plug. There is also a vent screw at the top of the gear case. Find all three screws, then pull both LU screws (not the water flush screw) to drain the LU. Then fill it with a squeeze tube from the lower hole until oil comes out the top hole.<br /><br />A manual is highly recommended!

 

[59 classic boat]

Re: water in lower unit- 1960 merc 400

Thanks you were correct I found the flush plug. I have a manual on order. I just was getting anxious to get this thing started.

 

[Motor Boater Bill]

Re: water in lower unit- 1960 merc 400

When you fire it up, make sure you have a good stream of water out of the "tell-tale" or "pee-hole" to indicate the water pump is working properly. If not, shut it down and find out why, don't burn up the motor! Also, don't use ether if you are having trouble starting it--squirt some pre-mix gas and oil instead. Ether has no lubircants, and is bad for 2-strokes.<br /><br />Here is some really good info on "Awakening a Sleeping Outboard" from JB who moderates this board:<br /><br /> http://forums.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=000033;p=1#000000 <br /><br />This should be a really sweet old motor. Let us know how it goes!