Lower unit dripping lube

StickFish · 06-30-2008, 08:30 PM

Noticed today that both motors appear to be dripping lube from what appears to be the fill level screw. They were tight and drip less before our trip to Diamond and they have never dripped before - any ideas?

Its a sealed system so air pressure has to be out of the question - plus the boat has been in altitude before without issue?

Boat Doc' · 07-01-2008, 10:21 AM

Probably need to replace the gaskets

Chrome Bumper · 07-01-2008, 10:35 AM

Replace the plug gaskets every time you change lube. If they set in the sun pressure would develop. Getting all the air out seems to help.

StickFish · 07-02-2008, 05:47 AM

I did replace all the gaskets when I changed the fluid and I usually pump it in till it comes out and let it settle for a few minutes and give it another shot of lube to top it off.

fish_on · 07-02-2008, 05:49 PM

Put another gasket on it. I have had that happen before, not much to worry about. Also try giving it a little more torque and see if that helps.

smalldog · 07-05-2008, 11:00 AM

You can have it pressure and vacuume tested to make sure the seals are good. If you can see it is coming from the vent or fill plug than you may just need the gaskets changed.

StickFish · 07-09-2008, 07:38 PM

Well I found the culprit. Both the fill and level screws were not tight. One of the screws on the kicker was loose to the touch. All four were at least 1/2 turn from being tight.

So, draining all the oil and starting over. If there is water in the oil than I'll be doing it - twice.

I'm at a loss, cause I really lean on those screws when I tighten them and they were not leaking before taking the boat to Diamond.

fishkisser · 07-09-2008, 08:43 PM

Gremlins ...

dixiefisher · 07-09-2008, 08:59 PM

Man!!...I am usually an optimist...but both motors?!?!?....I had some pranksters last year unscrew the plug in the boat while it sat on the trailer at the hotel parking lot....maybe someone was goofing around?!?!?

StickFish · 07-10-2008, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixiefisher

Man!!...I am usually an optimist...but both motors?!?!?....I had some pranksters last year unscrew the plug in the boat while it sat on the trailer at the hotel parking lot....maybe someone was goofing around?!?!?

I hear ya Paul both motors and all four screws.

StickFish · 07-21-2008, 05:07 AM

I finally had time to change the gear lube yesterday. rather interesting.

The oil was clear and clean - no sign of water. That ruled out anything happening to the boat before I took it to Diamond Lake.

The kicker was about 1/2 full and the main was basically empty.

The only time the boat was unattended out of the water was when we went to the south boat ramp at Diamond Lake to clean the days catch on the last day. The cleaning station in camp was closed. About 1/2 hour. I just do not buy that all four screws would have rattled loose on the highway. That boat has been up the Miller Lake road several times and that road will loosen fillings. So it had to be gremlins or a prank pulled by someone

Sure glad I noticed the oil leak and didn't grenade the lower unit.

fishkisser · 07-21-2008, 07:07 AM

Sounds fishy to Me ...

dixiefisher · 07-22-2008, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Sure glad I noticed the oil leak and didn't grenade the lower unit.

Ain't that the truth!!!!.....as far as the cause, I stiick to my original theory

StickFish · 07-22-2008, 08:08 AM

I wonder if I can switch those screws from slotted screws to bolts - at least someone/thing will have to scratch their head long enough to maybe change their mind.

fishkisser · 07-22-2008, 08:38 AM

A torx headed screw would keep Em off if you can find some ...

StickFish · 07-22-2008, 09:36 AM

I can find the thread diameter in the shop manual, just can't get the length without pulling one out

fishkisser · 07-22-2008, 03:15 PM

They probably arn't any longer than an inch ...
You can always grind off to proper length ...
http://www.fastener-express.com/inde...S&Category=218

StickFish · 07-23-2008, 04:54 AM

They are pretty short less than 1/2" including the head - if I was to guess the thread length is probably 1/4" The odds of that happening again are pretty low so I may just leave well enough alone. Also you are not getting those screws off with just a screw driver now

Chrome Bumper · 07-26-2008, 10:35 PM

Use socket heads. Thermoplastic gaskets will creep and stress relieve, and slot head screws are practically impossible to accurately torque.

Still, in the end, you may find you have a screw loose.