2004 Yamaha F90 lower unit problem

[Scoot 24]

I have a 2004 Yamaha F90 that I had winterized and then I placed it in cold storage. I recently went to check on the boat and noticed that the prop was out further than usual. When I pulled out the whole assembly came out. The only thing I can see when I look into the bottom of my lower unit are the gears. any idea what broke or unhooked?

 

[racerone]

Was there water in the lower unit ?--That water will freeze and put pressure on the big nut.---That nut will strip out and you have the result in hand.---Did it freeze before you took it in for work ??-----Have a word with the folks who are doing this work for as it appears big $$$$ are involved

 

[jrttoday]

the first question I'd be asking would be to whomever winterized your boat - these things don't happen by themselves...

 

[Scoot 24]

It may have happened before it was winterized. The motor was tilted up while waiting to be winterized. The big nut was loose on the assembly I pulled out. Does the nut strip or the casing?

 

[jrttoday]

I might would still ask if they noticed anything; after all, they did start it in order to winterize? and stay away from the blame game!! It is what it is no matter how it happened or when... and racerone is right about the dollars etc

 

[tommarvin]

Did you have the motor vertical in cold storage ?

I drive by a cold storage boat storage yard, most outdrives are up, there are many outboards that are not vertical,they don't make them vertical at drop off .

The motor that breaks my heart is the new big yam that's horizontal.

 

[Scoot 24]

I did forget to lower the motor when I put it in storage. That is why I went back to lower it.

 

[racerone]

Was there water in the lower unit , yes or no ?----Without that answer no decisions can be made !

 

[Scoot 24]

I don't recall seeing any but wouldn't it have leaked out when it broke?

 

[Scoot 24]

No Title

Here are pics of the unit.