Force 50 Question

[coachtom2183]

First i would like to say this forum is great!.Ijust bought a 88 SeaArk 16.6 flats boat with a 88 force 50 hp did a test drive ran great.Once I got home and flushed the engine I noticed water and gear oil comming from bolt that connects lower unit.I stopped the engine and more oil came from same hole about 3-4 tablespoons is this normal or do I have a problem?Thx in advance ps I just ordered the manual

 

[coachtom2183]

Re: Force 50 Question

I guess the pics didnt load The bolt in ? is on the right hand side just above the vent screw there is a small hole next to the bolt

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 50 Question

Welcome coachtom.

Sorry, but the photos didn't post.

You have to host them on another website, then provide the url here, as a link.

Or you can email them to me, and I will post them for you. roscoe33@mac.com

Are you sure it is gear lube, and not exhaust residue?
Have you checked the lower unit lube, to see if it is water contaminated?

If in fact it is gear lube, you have a problem.

Probably have a couple of bad seals.
Best way to pinpoint them is to pressure test the lower unit with 4-8 psi of air, and look for the leak.

I would bet that part numbers 46 and 50 in the photo below, are in need of replacement.
Not hard to replace those 2.
Number 46 keeps the lube in, and number 50 keeps water out.
Might as well replace the water pump impeller while you have it apart.

The 2 seals and the impeller will run about $26 at any Mercury dealer.
It helps to have a repair manual to walk you through the steps.
Clymer Force Repair Manual is best for your motor.


If you need help or have questions, just ask.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Force 50 Question

It could be exhaust residue.Usually if you smell it it will be gassy.Gear lube has that distinctive gear lube smell.
probably the hole above the bolt is to drain water from the leg and thus the residue.
If there is water in the gearcase the lube will have a creamy look like coffee with cream.

 

[coachtom2183]

Re: Force 50 Question

Thx everyone you guys are great.I'm going to drain lower unit tonight and go from there thx.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 50 Question

Ok, here are the photos you emailed to me.

Yes, the small hole is a drain hole to allow all the water to drain from the motor leg.

Most likely the oil is unburnt 2 cycle oil that has built up in the motor leg.
This is normal for these motors.
A good thorough decarbing will flush most of it out.
And switching to synthetic oil will help to reduce it in the future.

Drain a bit of the gear lube and see if it is clean, or cloudy (water contaminated).

Keep us updated.

 

[coachtom2183]

Re: Force 50 Question

Thanx guys I drained the lower unit it was just dirty no water I replaced it and changed the plugs and lubed the engine took it out today and it runs great no problems.

 

[2000vikings]

Re: Force 50 Question

Hello all,

I have the exact same motor has stated in this thread. Ironically, this weekend I discovered the exact same issue with my motor. I did change the lower unit oil earlier this year, but will now do it again to make sure that it isn't getting water contamination as you described. So if I understand correctly, if I begin to use synthetic oil mixed with my gas this problem will likely go away? Also, what type of cleaning does the motor need? A full carbon clean? Any information you can provide is much appreciated.

Jim

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 50 Question

Synthetic oil will help.

Decarb info:
http://www.iboats.com/bbboard/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=36;gtid=1035563