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lance
09-19-2011, 01:57 PM
My Sportmaster gear case had a new prop shaft installed and was resealed. I just changed the gear oil after about 15 hours of easy use. The Merc HP fluid that came out is a little lighter green and is not as transparent compared to new oil. I’m hoping the color is a result of aeration since the motor had been run just prior to draining.

The lower unit works perfect, there was almost nothing on the plug magnetic, and there have been no external leaks. Does this sound like water got in?
Thanks!
Dave Strong
09-19-2011, 11:42 PM
When they have water in the oil it turns kinda "mint green" solid and non transparent.

Dave
Tom Foley
09-20-2011, 04:53 AM
You have water in the oil . Ask the tech if they changed the lower pump base and what was the condition of the shaft in the seal area . Is it a 2.5 or a 3 liter case ?
Markus
09-20-2011, 08:30 AM
not as transparent compared to new oil.

Sounds like water intrusion.
lance
09-20-2011, 10:25 AM
Its a 3 liter case and yes is I would describe the color as mint green, maybe a little darker. The lower unit and engine were purchased used. I was told the gear case was rebuilt with a new prop shaft, new seals, and new water pump. Clearly the water pump and prop shaft are new. Everything has checked out in regard to what the seller stated and the engine has been good except for this issue.

Do you think it is safe to run fresh gear oil another 10 hours so I can make it to the end of the season?
Tom Foley
09-20-2011, 10:58 AM
Its a 3 liter case and yes is I would describe the color as mint green, maybe a little darker. The lower unit and engine were purchased used. I was told the gear case was rebuilt with a new prop shaft, new seals, and new water pump. Clearly the water pump and prop shaft are new. Everything has checked out in regard to what the seller stated and the engine has been good except for this issue.

Do you think it is safe to run fresh gear oil another 10 hours so I can make it to the end of the season?

NO get the Taylor Marine 4 seal carrier for under the water pump to solve the issue . If you change it everytime you use it you might get away with it .
Capt.Insane-o
09-21-2011, 12:46 PM
The shift shaft seal retainer is a piece of crap on these cases too, take a look at it and make sure the seal is'nt being pushed out.
spbutler
09-21-2011, 01:22 PM
When I have suspected water I put the oil in a clear bottle like a soda bottle and let it sit a few days, you'll see the water sink to the bottom. I had water in gear oil problems which was due to aftermarket seals being used on my Evinrude. The mechanic agreed after I purchased the Evinrude seals there was a slight difference on one of the seals which must have causing the leak.
pointer
09-21-2011, 02:20 PM
Pressure test and look for bubbles. 5 lbs will do it, should hold for 15 mins.
I would not run it if it were mine.
pointer
lance
10-27-2011, 11:01 AM
An update...
I installed a Taylor billet seal below the water pump but I think the problem was actually with the shift rod seal. This is a 3.0L SM that is on a Yamaha 3.3L engine. A Yamaha upper shift rod end was welded to the SM lower shift rod. Unfortunity weld was a little rough and happpen to be located right on the shift rod seal. I ground the weld smooth and filled it with JB weld and then sanded it smooth. I've been out one time and the gear oil looks good now.
Thanks for the help.