Water leaking out of lower unit

[sealyons]

I just replaced the water pump impellor on my '85 3.5 hp merc and it seems to be pumping water fine however I am noticing that water now leaks out of the seam where the upper and lower unit meet. I do not recall this happening before I started the project. There did not appear to be any gasket or gasket sealer on the surface where the two meet. The water tube is seems to be aligned correctly. Any suggestions?

 

[jajeeper]

Re: Water leaking out of lower unit

Did you replace the entire kit that contains the gaskets and plates that go under the water pump. Your old ones could be bad. Also, maybe the pump housing itself is cracked or not tightened down. Water could still be circulating yet leaking under these conditions.

 

[sealyons]

Re: Water leaking out of lower unit

No I only replaced the impellor and the o-ring at the top of the shaft. I was told by the merc dealer that there was not a kit available. I'll dissassemble and re-check the housing. Could it be where the water tube attaches to the top of the houseing?

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Water leaking out of lower unit

There has to be gaskets, or sealant required....

 

[sealyons]

Re: Water leaking out of lower unit

I was suprised that the owners manual did not mention it and when I dissasembled the w.p. it did not appear to have had any gaskets or sealer.

 

[achris]

Re: Water leaking out of lower unit

sealyons,<br /><br />If you used a screwdriver to prise the leg of the driveshaft housing, then a small indent will be left. Since there are no gaskets or sealers on that surface, it'll leak. As long as you have the bolts snugged up then it's not a problem.<br /><br />Chris........

 

[sealyons]

Re: Water leaking out of lower unit

I did use a screw driver, among other things, to separate the drive. Will this damage anything? Can I use RTV sealant or should I just leave it alone?

 

[achris]

Re: Water leaking out of lower unit

You could just leave it, but if it bothers you a thin smear of RTV would be ok.

 

[Merc805]

Re: Water leaking out of lower unit

The thing is fully submerged.. under water. That section virtually fills with water and you are only noticing it because it's on muffs.