Water in Lower Unit (Can I still run it? )

[Dennis1958]

I have a 1957 18 hp Fastwin Evinrude Motor. The engine runs fine but I found a small leak in the lower unit when I was getting my boat ready for Memorial Day Weekend. I tested the motor and it runs fine. I don't have time to fix the lower unit until I get back so I was wondering what the ramifications are if I use the motor as is and water gets in the lower unit. I will be using it for 3 days. If you know of any contacts that might have these old parts that would be helpful to.<br />Thanks<br />Dennis

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Water in Lower Unit (Can I still run it? )

Welcome to iboats Dennis!<br /><br />You say that found a small leak in the lower unit....did you change the lower unit lube and find a milkshake (oil/water mixed)? Often it's not a seal leak, but faulty Fill and Vent screw washers. Pressure testing the lower unit would pin point the soruce of the leak.<br /><br />edit: Duuh,just saw you post header, so you do have water in the lube then. I wouldn't loose too much sleep over running it for 3 days, but you will have to fix it. Just change to fresh lube, use new screw gaskets and fix when you return.

 

[Dennis1958]

Re: Water in Lower Unit (Can I still run it? )

Xcusme,<br />I did find a milkshake mix and also noticed it <br />dripping out of the lower casing. I had put it in a trash can to test. When I took it out I noticed it dripping. I know the motor is old but it runs great. I don't want to ruin it but I hate not to take it fishing to... do you think I should pull the boat each day and replace the lower unit oil? <br />Dennis

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Water in Lower Unit (Can I still run it? )

You can see it dripping?? Are you sure it's not just burnt fuel oil deposits you're seeing from inside the exhaust housing? The real way to tell is to again, drop the lube and see how much water intrusion you have. I don't mean to second guess your observations, but it is worth a second look.

 

[Dennis1958]

Re: Water in Lower Unit (Can I still run it? )

I guess the best way to describe it is ooozzing <br />And its coming from the inside part of the housing and not just the back part. It looks like a hairline fracture so Im going to assume I need to replace that soon. What could happen if say it leaked enough to have half lube and half water? Could it lock up and ruin my motor?

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Water in Lower Unit (Can I still run it? )

I wouldn't think it would lockup and destroy the lower unit. The most likely damage would be rust after a time and total displacement of the lube. Replacing the lube after each day would pretty much take care of that. Did you drain the lube after running in your tank??

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Water in Lower Unit (Can I still run it? )

don't screwup a good veteran engine. if you must run it be gentle. you could blow that lower unit from here to the moon. consider borrowing or renting one..