CLE oozing gear lube

**eli** · 07-11-2017, 01:19 PM

at 15 psi i turn the prop shaft and drive shaft few times see if it changes is part of my testing

**WillySteve** · 07-11-2017, 01:59 PM

Not to hyjack the thread but you would think the Guru's a Merc would be smart enough to put the vent plug at the proper level as to allow for expansion space.....DUH!!!!!!
I guess they don't run as hard as we do

**CHICKENHAWK** · 07-11-2017, 10:36 PM

Drained the lower unit this evening. No water came out when I pulled the fill screw and then the vent screw. Collected as much of the fluid as best I could with it getting dark and fish biting my feet. Poured what I drained into a glass container so I can see if there's any separation within the next day or two. Furthermore, it's looking like the LU was overfilled if there's no water in what I drained. Collected 21 oz., but stopped draining it before it was done dripping (fish were getting really aggressive). Not to mention what I lost when I was trying to get a container under it with one hand and pull the vent plug with the other hand without dropping it in the water. I'm sure it was quite entertaining to watch. Tomorrow I will drain whatever remains in the bottom of the LU.

Fluid looked good, not milky; metal particles on magnet looked like powder. I did end up purchasing a water pump kit and I have a seal kit on the way.

The marina where I purchased my parts offered to pressure test the LU so I would know exactly where it's leaking from if it is indeed leaking.

Is this something I can do myself with the proper fitting?

**STV_Keith** · 07-12-2017, 10:54 AM

You'll need a special fitting that screws into the fill or vent (same thread and size for both), that has a nipple on the other side. Connect a hose from that nipple to a Mighty-vac type pressure/vacuum pump and pull a vacuum to about 15in-Hg and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Move the propshaft in/out and turn it. If the vacuum holds for that 5-10 minutes, do the same again with 15psi of pressure. If that also holds, you're good to go. If it leaks on either test, you'll need to figure out where and replace the offending seal(s).