[greyplanet]

Replaced LU gear grease, went fishing, ran engine 1 hour max stop and go. It sat for a week and then I found water in LU, practically white and pearly (just bought it so I checked soon as I could). Without removing the LU, used a gauged foot pump and tubing to test pressure in a big tub that took the entire LU under by a half inch. No LU bubbles even though vent and fill plugs don't have washers. Right at 10 pounds repeatedly got a short "poof" from about the hole above the LU (above the water where a couple of speedometer? wires/cables come out the back). Pressure more or less held but fell off a pound or so, waited a few seconds, pumped again, poof. I've read a lot of postings, copied many, bought and read the shop manual, etc. Never took anything off an outboard bigger than a spark plug, but can handle a wrench. Did I break something? Or was my test no good? Could a bunch of upper seals and gaskets (and a water pump while I'm at it) fix this? Engine ran great. Thanks.

[achris]

Did you breaak something? Probably not.Was your test no good? You're done the pressure test, but not a vacuum test. The pressure test can show where the oil (not grease) could be getting out. A vacuum test is needed to see where the water is getting in. The 'poof' you're getting is the shift shaft seal. It's only a water seal, not an oil seal, ie it will allow oil out but shouldn't let water in. Was the oil milky when you changed it?

[greyplanet]

Thanks. Was oil milky when I changed it? Poor words on my part. There was no oil. It sat without oil from previous owner's winterizing while I took care of inspections and titling. So this was actually my first use. I removed plugs and slight amount of oil dripped out with some small drip of water which I took for condensation.

[greyplanet]

Forgot to ask - Can I vacuum test (with what?) or is that a dealer thing?