1987 Merc 3.0 lower unit water problems (with pics)

[Roady1]

Need some expert advice. Removed my lower unit today because of massive amounts of water in my oil reservoir located in the engine conpartment, and a loud clunk in the lower unit even when the motor was in neutral. Found the situation not to be as bad as I expected. My opinion is that the universal joints need replaced. Could be worse I guess. <br /><br />I have some questions before I put everything back together that I think some of you may be able to answer.<br /><br />1. Looking at the pic below will show you where the water was located. My question is, how much, if any grease should I put back in this location. There was a good amount in there when I took it apart. Also is there any special greae to use?<br /> PIC1 <br /><br />2. I need to replace the universal joints. Is there any automotive applications that use the same size universal? Is there any special tricks that I should be aware of?<br /> PIC2 <br /><br />3. How do I drain the oil reservoir in the engine conpartment?<br /><br /><br />Thanks everyone.

 

[tommays]

Re: 1987 Merc 3.0 lower unit water problems (with pics)

i think your at you need a service manual time ther are a few special lubes and gasgets sealers to put it back together leak free <br /><br />also you have gone this far it might be a good time to change all the drive seals and not have to take it apart again in a short time<br /><br />i can advise you on the tank i would remove it and the hose and clean it out off the boat i have access to a parts washer if you can find a friend with one it will be the best way to get out all the old oil and water<br /><br />if you dont flush everything in the drive out compleatly it will be hard to tell if you have repiared the leak or the new oil is mixing with the old milkely oil left in the drive<br /><br />tommays

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: 1987 Merc 3.0 lower unit water problems (with pics)

Roady, If you have a NAPA auto parts store near you they have a line of marine parts. If you don't have a manual have a look here:<br /> http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm <br />Good Luck

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1987 Merc 3.0 lower unit water problems (with pics)

I Hope you're as Lucky as it Appears............<br />But, I Don't Think you've Found your Problem.......<br /><br />1) That's the Gimbal Bellows...... <br />No Grease, or Water belong in here....<br />The massive amounts of Grease you found was the Old Purged Grease from the Gimbal Bearing,+ or, some Outdrive Oil,+ Water..........<br /><br />And, Yes....<br />You Can buy Grease that's Just for Gimbal Bearings,+ Coupler Splines....... Or, read my signature......... <br /><br />2) Why ??????<br />The Right 1s are about $30.00 at your Local NAPA.........<br /><br /> special tricks , <br />Take the Pair Off the Outdrive 1st..... Then seperate the other 1.......<br />You'll probably have to Grind a little Window on the Big Castlenut to get the U-jointcap to Clear........<br /><br />3) Remove the Hose where it enters the Outdrive,+ Let it Drain..........<br /><br />Now,<br />Your "Suspected Leakage Point" is the Incoming Water Port that feeds you engines Cooling System.......<br />I Can't see Any Connection to the Water in the Outdrive Oil Reservoir...............<br /><br />Like the Boys have said..............<br /><br />You Need a Manual....................