3 litre lower unit making noise

[rchevelle71]

Last time out I noticed a vibration at idle, when I got back in I flushed it, then a week or so later tilted the motor down and gear oil came out of the water intakes. I pulled the lower unit to replace the seals under the water pump, when I noticed some play in the driveshaft, and noise when turning the input driveshaft, when turning the prop shaft it sounds fine? It actually sounds like it is coming from inside the gear case, not up at the top bearing. How hard is this to fix? I am afraid to run it if something comes apart it could be dangerous, or at least mean a tow home and the case damaged. Considering just selling it as is for rebuild and replacing it with an SEI as I did on my last motor, but hate to do the break in time.

[Stitch King]

Hey Rick,

I just found the same issue with the lower in my 98 3.0L. No water in it but the driveshaft was wobbly when I removed the LU to check/replace the impeller.

I decided not to mess with it and just ordered the SEI.

Ken

[rchevelle71]

Sucks doesn't it, Got laid off last week, boat is looking good and has a full tank of gas. Hope to hear something soon about a job so I can just order one up also.

[Stitch King]

Sorry to hear about the job. Hope you land on your feet quickly.

You reminded me that I need to sell my lower as a parts unit.

[rchevelle71]

Be sure to follow the break in instructions. I had one on my last motor, had one issue with the casting of the case, and they covered it 100%

[rchevelle71]

Well, Being as I am poor and unemployed right now, and my towing ins is paid up, I put the upper carrier seals and a new water pump in it along with new Merc Gear oil, and the noise is gone, at least on the hose, haven't had a chance to put it in the water yet. Hopefully it will last until I get a job, just gonna be extra careful when running it.