water in lower unit

[kentaysdad]

hello took the 60esl71c that I just bought out to the lake yesterday and as advertised the lower unit did jump in and out of forward gear when under load. so when I got it home I drained the oil and it was white and milky so I know that water is getting into the lu. My ? is what are the likely causes for this. I checked the unit over and c no visible dents, cracks or any other damage to the casing. So I'm guessing it is likely a seal. Am I right in my thinking or not and if I am which seal is most likely the culprit.

 

[F_R]

Re: water in lower unit

Which seal doesn't matter at this point. The lower unit has to come apart and be repaired. Replace all the seals while it is apart. It's impossible to say how much damage is done until it's apart. You need somebody that knows what he is doing in there.

 

[kentaysdad]

Re: water in lower unit

ok thank you very much

 

[JB]

Re: water in lower unit

The most common causes for water in the gearcase are vent and drain plug gaskets that were re-used rather than new when last serviced. Those are use-once, crushable gaskets.

Probably the second most common is the propshaft seal.

You need to overhaul it to fix the gear problem anyway. Take F R's advice and change all seals and gaskets.

Good luck.