Re: Gear Oil Blockage Problem - Nissan 3.5B
The container he used looked something like a garden sprayer -- maybe 1-2 gallon capacity -- and as I have one (for my garden) I definitely know it is pumped up and holds pressure. Its pump handle does lock down to hold pressure. And, of course, I watched him perform the procedure.<br /><br />The drained oil BTW was black, and the mechanic noted this saying it was indicative of excessive heat. I must make a confession here, that I'd not changed the oil in 4-5 years, and maybe it wasn't topped off. I only put about 20 hours a year on the motor, so I mistakenly thought I could get away with it, and had other things to worry about in my life.<br /><br />When the mechanic said he'd seen it before, it might have been just once before. He commented that he too was puzzled about the cause the first time, until he untook some detective work.<br /><br />He was willing to undertake the repair, but said it might not be justified because of the potential labor time (due to corrosion) involved in disassembly of a 1998 lower unit that had never been taken apart, age of engine and cost to replace with new one. Since there was no water contamination, he predicted I'd get another season out of it. Mind you, this engine was performing quite well and this whole thing arose when I finally decided to do overdue maintenance.<br /><br />I do trust the mechanic because he's a business partner of a very good friend. The engine is now operational, but I think I messed up the carb with gunk when I turned the engine upside down, so it's been a little hard starting at times.<br /><br />BTW, just today ordered workshop manual and carb kit from your firm. <br /><br />I see your firm sells a complete gasket/seal kit for the lower unit. If I decide to try replace the seals myself, what tips can you provide on things to watch for? Or should I not attempt it? I'm a pretty good amateur mechanic.
) Try sticking a wire in or blowing air, but you should have seen a lot of debris come out when you drained the gear oil to begin with if that was the problem.