1990 Force with water in lower unit

[gustro]

Hey folks. I have a 1990 Force 50HP outboard model #507Y90A with a lower unit problem. My neice got this from her dad and it had been sitting under a moring cover and tarp for 3 years with the unit in the trailer position. I assume that the motor was winterized before being stored and no water was able to access the water intake because the motor was covered, but when we lowered the unit gear oil came from the water intake and there was 2-3 ounces of clear water when I drained the lower unit.

My concern is that I take the time to replces seals, throw it back together, and find it was a cracked housing due to water in unit freezing.

Anyone know of a way the check the lower for cracked housing w/o going through total disassembly? I'm I even on the right path?

Thanks.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1990 Force with water in lower unit

Well, with sitting that long and free water inside the lower unit, you are almost obligated to disassemble and check for rust on gears and shafts. Prior to disassembly, pressirize the unit, put it under water, and see where air blows out--just like looking for a leak in a flat tire. If the case is cracked but the internals are OK, then find a used case. If the case is not cracked but the internals are rusted to any significant degree, then buy a used and functional lower unit.

If it just needs seals, then buy them at either the local Mercury dealer or your local bearing supply store.

 

[gustro]

Re: 1990 Force with water in lower unit

Thanks Frank. I did a seal kit in the lower. The water pump looked pretty good so I left it in. We have about 3 hours on the motor since the repairs and I plan to check the gear oil when we pull it this weekend. If I see nice clean gear oil then I'm gonna call it good and make sure it gets stored in full in position next time.