| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
rmestayer
Advanced Member
633 Posts |
 Posted - 09/03/2009 : 12:00:23 PM
|
This morning I pulled my boat out of the water on the trailer and proceeded to do some routine maintainance before the long weekend. Pulled the plugs on my lower unit to change the gear oil and only about an ounce of oil drained. The oil looked the usual dark color. Not milky, and no free water.
Filled the case with the usual 1.5 quarts to see if maybe there was a vacuum lock holding the oil in the case, but new clear oil came pouring out of the top plug when full.
Do not know how long I have been running it this way, as I have not heard any unusual sounds or change in performance. My boat is kept in slings hanging over the water, so if oil were dripping out slowly I would not see a pool under the boat.
I re-plugged the drain and vent and dried oil off real well. Been a few hours and no leakage yet.
Question, how bad am I screwed? If there is no water can I assume the seals are OK?
Thanks for any help. |
|
|
wkdboatr
Average Member
USA
280 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 1:11:55 PM
|
what size engine? were there metal shavings in the oil that did drain out? i would have the carrier pulled just to take a look at the gears to make sure they are ok and to change the seals. kinda starge there was no water intrusion but also a good thing.
|
 |
|
|
rmestayer
Advanced Member
633 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 2:16:25 PM
|
F250. A few small metal shaving. Probably a little more than usual, but nothing big.
I plan on running it this weekend and check the fluid level daily. My neighbor at my camp is an outboard mechanic. If he thinks I should hold off on running it I will. Plan on bringing it in Tuesday to have seals checked and go ahead and change impeller and water pump. |
|
|
|
Long Distance Fisherman
Junior Member
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 3:53:29 PM
|
While you have the lower unit off I would have them run a pressure test to be sure also of no leaks.Should be SOP but some don't do that unless asked or told to do so.Will tell you if you have any leaks.It is kinda weird not hto have any water in it though.But a good thing.Let us know what you find out.
Always"fishin for a place to hunt-huntin for a place to fish" |
|
|
|
wkdboatr
Average Member
USA
280 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 3:56:43 PM
|
| i wouldnt run it until i got it checked out...deff have them pressure test it...jack over at metro is the lower unit king..he will fix you up...you have a blackjack right? |
|
|
|
Capt Ron
Average Member
USA
310 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 5:37:45 PM
|
I wonder if it was shipped from the factory with that small amount of oil and was supposed to be topped off by the dealer before delivery? Maybe they forgot when servicing the engine at the install?? Boy you are lucky! You know how lawn mowers are shipped without oil-perhaps that explains it.  |
|
|
|
rmestayer
Advanced Member
633 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 5:47:47 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by wkdboatr
i wouldnt run it until i got it checked out...deff have them pressure test it...jack over at metro is the lower unit king..he will fix you up...you have a blackjack right?
Could not stand waiting, so went run it a few miles in Bayou Lacombe. Drained the oil and replaced again. Looks like there is water. Evidently the seal is so bad the water that was in the lower unit had drained out, which is why I did not see any water initially. (just a guess).
I know the guys at Metro are probably backed up with the Holiday coming up, but I will give George a call and see if he can pull the lower unit tomorrow on my way to the camp. (tall order, but worth a try).
Thanks Joshua. |
Edited by - rmestayer on 09/03/2009 5:48:45 PM |
|
|
|
wkdboatr
Average Member
USA
280 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 6:24:17 PM
|
| you got it buddy, tell him i said hello...i used to work there... |
Edited by - wkdboatr on 09/03/2009 6:24:52 PM |
|
|
|
wkdboatr
Average Member
USA
280 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2009 : 12:31:41 PM
|
| what was the outcome? |
|
|
|
rmestayer
Advanced Member
633 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2009 : 12:16:19 PM
|
Talked to George at Metro boating and he said if no free water in lower unit it should still get lubrication and should be OK to run for the weekend.
I put about 12 hours on it the last 3 days, then drained the oil. Did not appear to have any water, but I drained about 3/4th of a quart and replaced about 1.25 quart, so it appears to lose oil through a high pressure leak. Will bring it in to be serviced and will post results. |
|
|
|
rmestayer
Advanced Member
633 Posts |
Posted - 10/20/2009 : 6:44:47 PM
|
Brought boat into Metro and had the seals changed. George did not see any other problem with the lower unit, so filled with oil. I ran it for a 6 days at the camp last week without problem, except for a sheen of oil on the water each time I dropped the motor in the water. When I pulled to boat out the last day I went ahead and exchanged the oil again to see if any oil lost. None missing, so must be oil from elsewhere.
On another note, I asked George which prop they were putting on the Blackjacks with Yamaha F250's nowadays. My Merc 23 pitch has some of the diameter missing with about 455 hours on it, so looking to get a new one. Anyway he said he has been real happy with the 21 pitch Yamaha Saltwater Series 2. I bought one and it is like having a new motor. Great hole shot, very-good mid range response, less RPM's for the MPH, and reaches top end much faster, gaining 1-2 MPH. Also, the trailing edge of the blade at the cup is about 2-3 times the thickness of the Merc prop so it should hold up alot longer. |
|
|
|
hbk2859
Junior Member
108 Posts |
Posted - 10/25/2009 : 7:37:31 PM
|
I think the "sheen" you saw could be from the grease under the power head.
|
|
|
|
oldmechanic
Advanced Member
USA
1187 Posts |
Posted - 10/26/2009 : 6:39:35 PM
|
| check trim oil |
|
|
|
rmestayer
Advanced Member
633 Posts |
Posted - 10/26/2009 : 7:51:14 PM
|
will do.
Thanks |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Sportsman's Paradise Vol 09-37
gear oil lower unit-case empty
