lower unit problem

[goualee]

I bought a skeeter with 1998 200hp ox66 about half a year ago and did all maintenance that I could think of. I do remember the gear case oil was very dark and was filled with Pennzoil. Yesterday at the lake I heard clucking/scratching noise coming from the lower unit like bad breaks on rotor/drum. I could only hear it when it starts to plane and after but not on neutral or lower speed but it wasn't very loud. Checked for leaks on prop shaft and didn't see anything but rubber on prop hub had a torn. Opened top vent and oil and air was bursting out while loosening screw with an unpleasant smell. Had plenty shavings on drain plug and flakes in oil. Also very dark but not milky. It seems to shift smooth between gears. Sometimes a little clatter before going in. Drives normal besides noise coming back to launch. I need to know what's the best thing to do now. I was thinking refill with new oil and risk disaster then buy a new/use lower unit or rebuild it while not much damage is done if not already. I feel like I'm mechanically inclined as long as I have the information; parts that need to be replace, manual, etc. I've rebuilt a powerhead before and worked on cars a lot but not a lower unit. Any information will be appreciated.

 

[99yam40]

Yamaha lower units require some special tools to take apart and put back together from what I have read.
Pick up s service manual for you motor and read up on what is details and then decide if you can or want to do it yourself.

Some fine metal on drain magnet is normal, but you need to find where that noise is coming from before something destructive happens. Might just need bearings right now, but running longer may damage more stuff.

Check to see if there is a bushing on the drive shaft befor it gets to lower unit.
Sometimes they make noise when dry or corrosion sets up in that area.
Might just need to be graesed

 

[goualee]

Is the oil suppose to be that dark in that short period of time? I rotated the prop in neutral and it was smooth both ways. Reverse was just hard, I can hear the impeller rubbing on the walls. Forward had a few rotation and clicks before harden and hearing the impeller. A buddy told me his shift cables went out of alignment by itself before. Forgot to mention that there is about an inch of the corner of the skeg broken off before I bought it. Doesn't look as bad as some I've seen before. I guess I'll do the easiest things first and see if I can get rid of the noise. Check shift cables. Drive shaft and prop shaft. Lube thing that needs to be. Filter the old oil to see if there is more to what I saw. Change oil. Anyone recommend something else beside Pennzoil marine gear case lube? Heard synthetic 80w-90 oil is suppose to be good but will have to look into it more. Might get Yamaha's too. Hopefully I can shine some more light for ya experts.