Water in Chrysler L/U

[Drowned Rat]

Just took out my 6hp 1974 Chrysler (Ward) and when I got back, I noticed water in the L/U. The drain/fill screw gaskets were in bad shape so I replaced them. The question is, how likely is it that this is where the water was coming from? The water pump seal looks ok. I don't notice any oil leaking around the prop, but then I didn't see any leaking from the drain plug either. If the prop shaft seal were bad, would I see oil leaking here? Thank you for any opinions on this problem.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Water in Chrysler L/U

replace the washers for the drain and vent screw and put in new oil. Run the motor and check periodically by removing the drain screw and replacing real quick. If you have water in there it will go to the bottom and the oil will stay on top. If you are still getting water in lower unit you will have to pressure test it under water to find where the leak is.<br /><br />There is a good chance that your gaskets are shot. Another common place is where the prop shaft comes in contact with the bearing cage. Fishing line getting in there can cause the seal to go bad and cause a leak.

 

[Kev_03]

Re: Water in Chrysler L/U

I have never had any water getting into the L/U with faulty washers but as a precaution I would replace them. As Euro suggests checking, is just a matter of un-doing the drain screw. If you still have water this will be the first liquid to run out. If you are still having the problems you will have to start looking at the gaskets.<br /><br />Kev

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Water in Chrysler L/U

I tried calling around to find the L/U seal kit for this 1974 motor and found out that they are only available for 1978 and later models. I'm pretty sure the water is coming from the drive shaft seal thats under the water pump. How do I get this seal out? It's out of fingers reach, and I'm afraid if I use a tool to get it out, I'll mess something up. I have the manual for this motor, but it just says "replace the seal". It doesn't show how. Right now I am running Lubriplate 105 grease in the L/U and it's not leaking. It seems to work ok til I can figure out how to replace the seal if I can find one.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Water in Chrysler L/U

Might want to post your model number. My clymor only shows 6HP from 1969-1970. Look at the bearing cage. Are there two screws holding it in or four. You could have either a one or two part gear case. I am guessing you have a one piece gear case and you need to remove the motor leg extension in order to remove the waterpump, impeller and water plate to get to the drive shaft seal. The manual says to pry the seal off with a screwdriver. <br /><br />Post your model and serial number so we can verify the year of this motor. Once you have that posted it will be easier to find you a seal kit. Also look at the drive shaft where it comes in contact with the seal. Is it pitted or worn?<br /><br />Check this site and see if it looks like your lower unit. Year isnt so important because they use the same gearcase on different year models<br /> chrysler 63HH gear case

 

[OBJ]

Re: Water in Chrysler L/U

If you have the lower unit off, rig a bicycle pump to drain or vent plug and put a few pounds of air in it and dunk her in a can full of water. Any air bubbles from a seal will indicate where the problems are.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Water in Chrysler L/U

eurolarva, thanks for the great link. That is exactly what I need. This motor is for sure a 1974 model. I called it a Chrysler, but it's actually a Ward Sea King model 52000. Same thing of course. The seal I need is the one under the water pump plate, #8 in the diagram. I thought about using a screw driver to get it out, although it will still be hard to reach. I doubt I will be able to get enough of a "bite" on it to break it free. I need some sort of puller I think. I read somewhere there is a Mysterious special tool needed, but you say your manual says to use a screw driver. Sounds good to me! Thanks again for your help.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Water in Chrysler L/U

Just ordered the seal. Cost me half as much as the whole motor but hey, it won't leak anymore.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Water in Chrysler L/U

Hope that is where the leak is. Did you notice any pitting or grooves on the drive shaft where it comes in contact with the seal? This is happening to mine and I am planning on flipping the drive shaft around and re drilling the hole for the impeller. Should get another 36 years out of it.<br />I may have a seal kit that fits that unit. If you need it email me at ralgoetz@comcast.net

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Water in Chrysler L/U

That's a great idea. The splines are the same at both ends? I need to look at the shaft again, but I don't think there is any pitting. The shaft is worn smooth and shiny though. It's probably out of spec. diameter wise. Will you drill the hole yourself or have it done? I wonder how "exact" it needs to be. Pretty darn close I would guess. This little motor is great. I fought with the recoil starter for a few hours and got it working, and there is this problem, but that's it. Purrs like a kitten. I will keep your offer in mind. I'm almost sure this is the right seal. When I take it apart, you can see that the frothy oil is coming from that seal. Thanks so much for your help.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Water in Chrysler L/U

Glad to have been any help. If I had a drill press I might consider drilling it myself. I will probably take it to someone who does it for a living in their own home. My prop shaft is worn down and I need that worked on so the guy will probably do the drive shaft for a pretty reasonable rate.