lower end unit

[mrmarvc]

I bought this '65-66 Mercury 65 hp motor on a 16 ft. Alumacraft this late summer, and got it running pretty good for a while. Changed the lower end unit oil, very little water in it. Hooked up the water several times and got it running goon, then took it to the lake and it wouldn't run for crap, mainly on 2 of the 4 cylinders. Anyway, getting that figured out now, but went to drain the lower unit and the oil was really milky with water. Only had the water on the motor, and boat on the lake, for maybe a total of about 2 to 3 hours. Could the seals be that shot, and are they that bad to replace myself? I am pretty good mechanically inclined, and enjoy trying and doing things myself. If I replace the seals myself, is there anything else I should go ahead and check or do while it's apart? Sorry for the long posting, but I take a while to tell my problems. marvc

 

[ob]

Re: lower end unit

marvc, Could be something as simple as the drain and vent screw seal washers that are leaking. Before condemning propshaft seals or driveshaft seals try changing these out.It would be best to vacuum and or pressure test lower unit to locate specific leak culprit.

 

[Waterbugtoo]

Re: lower end unit

If it needs a reseal job, the tough part for the average person is getting the retaining nut and bearing carriage out. Hard to do without specific tools.<br /><br />

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: lower end unit

ob and wb2 gave good advice and if you do decide to change your lower unit seals also change the impellar(water pump) while you have it apart.