Outdrive Water, Shavings and Meltdown

[zul]

History:
2 years ago, the Lower takes a strike and puts a hole in the lower outdrive. I purchased a new SEI lower, install and break it in. Few runs later, a small amount of water is getting into the lube bottle. Plus, shavings on the plug.

Here is the 3 page detailed mystery ...
https://forums.iboats.com/forum/eng...outdrives/10355081-outdrive-mystery-continues

So, I go ahead and purchase a new SEI outdrive -- new upper and a new lower. You know, so I can put this problem to rest.

Well, the new drive goes on and -- shavings on the plug. Call SEI and they say "That's normal. New gears just getting to know each other." Change the lube and go boating. Me - "Ok."

Paint starts flaking off around the upper. Makes me think it's real hot in there? Internet says SEI paint is not so good. Don't worry about it. Me - "Ok. It's not an outdrive beauty contest, right?"

Last month, loads of water coming into the lube. Not just a bit, like it's wanting to overflow the resv bottle. At this point, I'm way out on a large lake. Limp the boat home. More shavings on the plug. Air pressure test and it holds air just fine.

More lube, one final test run on a small lake -- loss of preformance. Slower speed, higher RPMs and the motor is getting too hot, too fast. And lots more water in the lube. That's it, I'm done. Limp to shore and find a new mechanic -- he says it's 'coming apart' and I need to seek warantee from SEI. This guy is a 20 year boat mechanic and he's only seen this happen once before.

The strange thing to me -- How can I be experiencing the same problems with my old outdrive (with the new lower) and this entirely brand new SEI drive?

I've just begun the warantee process with SEI, so we'll see how that goes .... I should know more in a day or two if they will replace or refund or not.

In total frustration -- WTF ??

 

[wahlejim]

How is your engine alignment and Gimbal?

 

[62cruiserinc]

Doesn't SEI warrant their outdrives for 3 yrs no questions asked? Even if you hit something and break it? If they still have this warranty, then you should have no problem getting a replacement.

Steve

 

[zul]

Gimbal was replaced and aligned during the beginning of all this. I've never had any vibrations, noises or any other issues (other than the ones I've listed out).

SEI 3 year no fault -- There a few loop holes in the fine print. This drive has failed and seems like it should be a straight forward replacement. I'll post up how the SEI 'no fault' wanentee goes.

 

[Rick Stephens]

From what I have seen, SEI doesn't do much of the loophole thing. They've been pretty accountable.

 

[zul]

Aight, getting this thing into the snail mail to SEI in Florida.

When I get the new drive, should I just plug it in, add the seal kit, use the alignment tool, lube it up and break it in?

I'll probably do an air pressure test first.

Could there be anything from the transom forward that could be causing the outdrive to meltdown and fail?

 

[fishrdan]

How is the U-joint bellows, any water in there when the drive was pulled?

 

[achris]

Check the hose between the bell housing and the lube reservoir.

 

[zul]

The gear lube hose near the bellhousing looks a bit scuffed bot doesn't look like water could get in -- just surface scratches. Nearest the bellhousing, I can't get my eyes or a flashlight in there. Should I take off the bellhousing to get the best look??

Should I replace all of this lube hose and connectors (inside the boat/transome and outside the transome --near the bellhousing)?? It looks real hard to get at. My first choice mechanic just moved back to my area, so he's available right now.

New outdrive is on the way but I won't have it for probably 2 weeks. I am concerned to plug in the new drive and get the same problems AGAIN. I just don't think it can be coincidental that I'm getting the same problem on old drive #1 and new drive #2. Overall, I just want to avoid having problems with drive #3!!