Water in Gear Case

[parker1700]

I have a 1995 Evinrude 88spl that apparently has developed a leak that is allowing water to mix with the oil in the lower gear case. I changed the gear oil last week and noticed it had a milky look to it. After draining and refilling I took it out on the water and checked it the oil again when I returned. After removing the drain plug water came out and then the gear oil had that milky look to it again.

Where would I look for a leaking seal?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Water in Gear Case

original equipment part #s http://shop2.evinrude.com/ext/index.aspx?s1=bf6ad09c53cead335fcfd8a6471c0f7f

90 More Details 0437752 GEARCASE SEAL KIT. 1 Double Lip Upper Driveshaft Seal 1 $85.59 USD Legend Available
90 More Details 0396354 GEARCASE SEAL KIT. 2 Single Lip Upper Driveshaft Seals 1 $85.59 USD Legend Available

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Water in Gear Case

Pressure test the LU to find out which seal needs replacing. Choice of three: driveshaft, prop shaft, and shift shaft. See shop manual for procedure, but the gear oil needs to be drained, generally do not exceed 15 psig and a good LU should hold some pressure for about 45 minutes.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Water in Gear Case

most frequent cause is also the easiest fix - shift shaft o-ring.

DIY pressure tester: the fitting & tube from your gearoil change kit pump, an emergency roadside tire compressor, and some 1/4 hose that fits both. add some cable ties to make it airtight. submerge it in a tub of water & look for bubbles, or splash some soapy water around the seals. Take the water pump off first.

 

[parker1700]

Re: Water in Gear Case

I have determined that the leak is the prop seal. Is there any special tool needed to remove the prop? I removed the cotter pin and retaining nut but was unable to remove the prop. I didn't put alot of pressure on it because I was not sure if it requires a special puller or not. The OEM manual addresses prop installation but not removal.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Water in Gear Case

no special tool required - it slides on easily, but if you forget to grease the shaft sometimes it locks up like that. Just needs a little help. PB blaster to cut through the corrosion, maybe a rubber mallet (be careful!). There's a thrust washer on the other side of the prop, probably stuck, too, you can be a *little bit* less gentle with it.