lower unit leaking

[mrpike1973]

hi dont know if its the heat or not but my 9.9 yamaha is dripping by the lower screw for filling it. can i just put a new seal on the screw. i'm assuming thats it. also any special lower unit oil they take thanks

[BoxMN]

Get a whole new screw/washer. I think that is how they come. We do it every few years (5 or so) as matter of maintenance. Have gone longer of course, but they are only a few bucks, and better than finding out they leak the hard way

[TruthWalleyes]

My lower unit is currently being replaced...Started with a leak, ended up with a visit to the boat doctor.

Get a new screw/gasket. Should be able to find them at a Napa or autozone. Once you replace the screw. Drain and replace your fluid. Check after two outings and make sure your oil doesn't have any water. If it does, go get your lower unit gaskets replaced asap. It'll cost you less in the end. I have a 500-1000 bill to pay this week to get mine running again.

[mrpike1973]

well i replaced the gaskets. for some reason there wasnt one on there before. i think that will fix it drained it and put fresh oil in looked good actually but oils cheap so i replaced i think its fixed.

[TruthWalleyes]

Check it after two outings to be sure. You'll only need to drain a little bit to check.

[harvey lee]

My lower unit is currently being replaced...Started with a leak, ended up with a visit to the boat doctor.

Get a new screw/gasket. Should be able to find them at a Napa or autozone. Once you replace the screw. Drain and replace your fluid. Check after two outings and make sure your oil doesn't have any water. If it does, go get your lower unit gaskets replaced asap. It'll cost you less in the end. I have a 500-1000 bill to pay this week to get mine running again.

Just spent $2,100 for a new lower unit. Not cheap.

I agree that a new screw and gasket should do the job and I would watch it for awhile. If it does leak, you should be able to see some down the side of the lower unit.

Those gaskets seem to want to dry out and crack and I would guess one could fall out if it were left in there long enough.

As far as a lower unit oil, if you have the owners manuel, I put in what they suggest. I believe my Merc has 85-90 weight or something close to that. Make sure it is lower unit marine oil and not just gear oil.

[efgh]

Use the right gear oil, like Harvey says, regular oil will foam up and take the seals out. Your owners manual will tell you the correct oil to use. I oly use syt. oil myself.

[TruthWalleyes]

Just got the bill for my LU. $700. Not too bad.

FYI, highly recommend the guy in northfield. Steve Hansen.