Water in Gearcase...just replace all seals??

[Mas]

Hi,

I've got a '94 20 hp "rude. When I replaced my waterpump, I found water in the gear oil...milky yellow. I was hoping that the water was due to not replacing the plastic washers the previous time (still learning!)....but this was not the case.

My question is, is it better to just replace all the seals, or take the L.U. to a shop and have them tell me which seal is leaking? I'm thinking I'm money ahead if I just replace them all, over paying money to the shop...or even investing in a pressure and vacuum gage to I.D. the leaking seal.

How much money would it cost to replace all the seals? Seems to me, if one is bad, others are right around the corner??

Thanks,

Mas

 

[jonesg]

Re: Water in Gearcase...just replace all seals??

A seal kit for my 150 is approx $75 or so I was told.
Labor was gonna be $300+.
I've read you can use a bicycle pump to find leaks, just a small amount of pressure whilst submerged.

lookee this tester,

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/MIT-4050.html

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Water in Gearcase...just replace all seals??

33.99 here at Iboats for the entire seal kit.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/partfind...gd_poid=110550&gd_row=16&**********=488665211

Just my opinion, but if one seal is bad you are going to have it apart anyhow so why not replace them all anyway.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Water in Gearcase...just replace all seals??

Could be an easy fix.
Drain the lube and put about 12 psi of air in the gearcase.
Use a spray bottle with water and a little dish soap.You will find the leak.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Water in Gearcase...just replace all seals??

In my little bit of experience in this feild I have found that the seals most likely to fail are in this order'

Fill and vent seals!

Main prop shaft seal usually from fishing line!

Mainshaft seal!

Shift shaft seal!

Bearring carrier seals almost never fail IMHO!

 

[James R]

Re: Water in Gearcase...just replace all seals??

Dont forget to feel the shaft bearings. If they fail they cause the shaft to wander and destroy the seal.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Water in Gearcase...just replace all seals??

Could be an easy fix.
Drain the lube and put about 12 psi of air in the gearcase.
Use a spray bottle with water and a little dish soap.You will find the leak.

I agree you will find the leak, but if you are in there already replace all the seals imo.

 

[Mas]

Re: Water in Gearcase...just replace all seals??

Dont forget to feel the shaft bearings. If they fail they cause the shaft to wander and destroy the seal.

Are we talking about "side to side" play or "front to back?" I've noticed that my prop shaft has a bit of noticeable front to back play...maybe 1/16 inch??? I did not notice any side to side play. The LU is still bolted on so I cannot speak to the shaft that runs through the leg.

Mas

 

[Mas]

Re: Water in Gearcase...just replace all seals??

Could be an easy fix.
Drain the lube and put about 12 psi of air in the gearcase.
Use a spray bottle with water and a little dish soap.You will find the leak.

Are we talking about 12 psi or 1-2 psi??

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Water in Gearcase...just replace all seals??

doesn't need much 5-10 lbs is enough. You are looking to see if it holds pressure not how much it will take. pump it up and watch the gauge. It should not drop.

 

[James R]

Re: Water in Gearcase...just replace all seals??

Side to side and the bearings should feel smooth when rotating the shafts.

 

[Mas]

Re: Water in Gearcase...just replace all seals??

I think that I'll just replace all the seals. I found that I can get am OMC seal/gasket set for about $50 at a local shop.

Also, I've been using the evinrude gear lube, and all outboard manufacturers have "their" lube. Can I use the OMC lube for my other two motors...Honda & Yamaha. If it is wise, I may just buy the lube in gallon to save $$$?

Thank you for all the help & suggestions,

Mas