Water only no Oil in LOWER UNIT.... HELP!!!

[CharlestonFF]

So I decided to check the lower unit oil on the boat I just bought. And out comes clear water with no Oil until the very bottom. The Oil is more like mud and sludge. I don't know how long it has been like this and how much running has been done with the conditions the way they are except for when I test drove it twice for no longer than 30 min at a time. I did notice when I turned it would or what I thought at the time cavitate because the engine was not trimmed down all the way. What are the chances of it slipping and causing the RPM's to rev up and the boat not go anywhere? Is there any test to see if the gearing, bearings, and whole lower unit needs to be replaced? The prop does have a little play when pulling it from bow to stern, but no play port to starboard. I know the vent screws at the top didn't have any gaskets is this normal? The top screw and bottom fill screws both had rubber gaskets! There is a little oil where it had leaked out from around the prop in one spot! Any ideas as to where I should start?

Thanks for the help guys

 

[wickware]

Re: Water only no Oil in LOWER UNIT.... HELP!!!

1. How old is the sale? Do you think the seller will help you with possible expensed in this matter?
2. Please post Engine?s Year, Model and serial #s.

 

[CharlestonFF]

Re: Water only no Oil in LOWER UNIT.... HELP!!!

I bought the boat July 25.... Its a 1996 Mercury SN# OE186477 Model 75ELPT.... I haven't called the owner yet because I was to pissed at my self for not checking the oil when I bought it.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Water only no Oil in LOWER UNIT.... HELP!!!

I once lost an upper seal on a lower unit and blew water into the gearcase from the water pump. Unknowingly I traveled about 40 miles (From Baltimore to Havre-de-Grace, about 2 hours). Arriving at the ramp, the engine was still functioning and driving the boat but all gears were trashed and only had probably a couple of minutes more life to them.

POINT: Just because the lower unit was filled with water does not necessarily mean the gears are trash or rusted. In fact, if the lower unit is not opened, no air can get in and the gears will not rust.

HOWEVER: It would behoove you to pull the spool, propshaft, and reverse gear and inspect the condition of all the gears. If they do not show signs of spalling or other damage, reassemble the lower unit and fill it with a good lube.

If they do show signs of damage---well ---you can try the owner. Sometimes if the damage is not too bad you can get more life with a seal replacement and fresh oil, but eventually it will leave you on the water. So think about buying a good used lower unit