Using garden hose muffs? Lower unit water

[jeff7599]

I think I may have gotten water in my lower unit. I just noticed my boat manual says not to use full pressure when flushing the motor with a garden hose. Why does it reccomend not using full pressure? Could it get past the o rings and get water into my lower unit oil?<br /><br />1996 Evinrude 88 hp<br />Used regular plastic muffs, and full pressure on the garden hose.

 

[ob]

Re: Using garden hose muffs? Lower unit water

Jeff,Two reasons i can think of.#1 high probability of muffs coming off due to excess pressure and overheating engine and damaging pump .and # 2 and most important ,ramming more water pressure and volume through the pump than the lower unit cavity drains can handle can back up in the mid section exhaust housing up to the powerhead and cause engine damage.<br /> Have you established that there is in fact water in the lower unit oil?

 

[jeff7599]

Re: Using garden hose muffs? Lower unit water

Im not exactly sure if I have water in the lower unit. The drained oil does have creamy look to it. I drained the oil into a clear tupperwater container over a week ago. After a week, the top third of the container looks like clear and clean oil. The bottom third is a darker, creamy look, but does not appear to be water. I cant tell if it was just left over from the previous change. Oh yeah, I drained it, refilled it with new oil, then ran it for about 2 hours underway. I drained it a second time, and still have a creamy look to the oil. It wasnt as clear as new oil. But I dont really see any water, even after it sits for a few days.

 

[ob]

Re: Using garden hose muffs? Lower unit water

Jeff,sounds like you've got a leak somewhere.The water will emullsify with the oil and appear as a milky color.Possibilities of leaks are ,in order of easiest to remedy,#1 drain and vent screw seal washers,#2 propshaft seal,#3 shift rod seal,and #4 driveshaft seal.#3 & #4 will require removal of lower unit.<br />If you remove the prop can you see any indication of lower unit oil around seal area?It won't always leak out when sitting idle if water leaks in when submersed ,but many times it does.<br />You can perform a pressure and or vacuum check of the lower unit to determine the leak location.