Couple questions about 1989 85HP

[LukeB777]

Hey all,

I have a 1989 85HP Force that I bought towards the end of last year. I ran it a bit before storing it. Needless to say I am somewhat new to the boating world but read up this winter on what I need to do this season.

First question,
I drained the lower unit lube today (didnt change it before storing it, didnt know any better ) and the lube that came out was 90% brown with a little bit of milky in it. Do I need to take apart and reseal the gearcase? Or is it normal to have a little bit of milky streaks in it?

Second question,
I removed the gearcase to check the water pump and impeller (SUPER easy with a manual and Franks AWESOME instructions in the sticky! Thanks Frank!) and noticed that the impeller still looked really good and the housing was smooth. Is it recommened to replace the impeller every spring?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Couple questions about 1989 85HP

It is not absolutely mandatory to change the impeller every year--BUT you have the lower unit down so what's 17 bucks more and a couple of minutes work extra?

If the gear oil was milky, especially first out because water settles,--then yiou know that water in some quantity IS getting into the gearcase.

If it is not too bad, and if you have already changed the oil, then check the fill vent and drain plugs for tightness. Periodically check the oil for water and top it off. Secondly check the shift rod seal. The rod should be tight but smooth in the seal without too much resistance to movement. If it is loose or wiggles in the seal, then that's your culprit. This can be changed easily without disassmbling the gearcase and you will lose very little oil.

Lastly the prop shafy seal and drive shaft seal. again, both can be changed without disassembling the gearcase. For the prop shaft, hold the gearcase horizontal so the prop shaft points up. then pull the spool. The seal is in it but you will lose almost no oil. For the drive shaft, with the gearcase vertical, remove the water pump and lower plate. Again the seal is in the lower plate and you will lose no oil.