why is fill hole leaking??

[Wags]

Dumb question of the day...... I recently filled my lower unit on OB with gear lube for winter storage. Its a Merc 150 if that makes a difference. I swing into the storage place to brush off the snow ( I know, pretty pathetic ) and have noticed a spot under the motor where the lower unit is leaking very slowly. I mean it's not pouring out, but a few drips here and there all winter would empty that reservoir by the spring. Do those screws lose their seal or is it possible that I put the top screw into the lower hole by mistake?....and would that even make a difference?

Originally Posted by Wags

Dumb question of the day...... I recently filled my lower unit on OB with gear lube for winter storage. Its a Merc 150 if that makes a difference. I swing into the storage place to brush off the snow ( I know, pretty pathetic ) and have noticed a spot under the motor where the lower unit is leaking very slowly. I mean it's not pouring out, but a few drips here and there all winter would empty that reservoir by the spring. Do those screws lose their seal or is it possible that I put the top screw into the lower hole by mistake?....and would that even make a difference?

my dealer told me it was best to replace the washer every time the screw was taken out.they told me they would almost always leak once it is tightened then removed.should be a very cheap fix,and dont know about your dealer but mine sells them for my mercury in bulk bags for just a few dollars.

[carolina-rig-01]

Originally Posted by ky southern

my dealer told me it was best to replace the washer every time the screw was taken out.they told me they would almost always leak once it is tightened then removed.should be a very cheap fix,and dont know about your dealer but mine sells them for my mercury in bulk bags for just a few dollars.

that is some good info right there.

[Wags]

Excellant......thanks guys!!!!!!!!!

[1FASTLASER]

Just aheads up. Anyone putting there rigs away for a long winters nap should also remove there prop and make sure everything is ok there as well. A liberal coat of marine grease or a SMALL amount of anti seize on the shaft and then torque the nut back up. While the prop is off take a look inside and see if there is any visable damage to the propsahaft seal. If there is now is the time to repair it. Water seeping in around the prop shaft will eventually cause lower unit damage.

[boater]

I will agree I took my lower Unit off and took it down to the basement .Its time for the annual water pump scratch sanding and repainting.But when I removed the drain plug ...a quart of water ran out...OUCH.Time for seals and a preasure test.Glad I found this befor eit could have froze and broke the case