water in lower unit

[BigBlueJake]

Went ahead and changed out the oil in my lower unit yesterday and there was more water in there than I was comfortable with. The fluid itself did look milky as well. I know this means that I have a bad seal somewhere in the lower unit so what I am wondering is can I change out all the seals myself. I am very mechanically inclinded and I used to work on cars for a living so I am pretty sure I can handle it but I have never worked on an outboard or lower unit before. I have watched a few videos on youtube and read some post and it seems to be pretty straight forward. Looks like I can get a complete seal kit for under $100 so it would definitley save me money to do it myself. Guess I'm just wanting to make sure I'm not getting in over my head.

For those of you who have messed with your lower unit before what do you think? Is it fairly simple for someone who is mechanically inclined? Anything I need to be especially cautious of? Anything I should do as well since I have the lower unit off? (I am doing the water pump too of course). Anything special about a Johnson Outboard I need to be aware of?

One last thing I don't have a garage so I had planned on working on the lower unit in my basement. While it is off is it ok for my motor to just be sitting out in the drive with no lower unit on it? (It will probably take me a few days to go through the lower unit, I'm pretty busy so time is limited). Thought about maybe wrapping the motor in a tarp or something while my lower unit is off.

Thanks for any guidance.
Jake

p.s. I did refill the lower unit with oil and I was considering going to the lake on sunday for one last run before I got into this project. Is that just dumb or do you guys think it will be ok? Probably better safe than sorry but I am hoping some of you guys with more experience can guide me here.

[lovetofish]

I have a 50hp ev removed lower unit changed water pump not that hard take your time and remember to put all the parts back forgot to put half moon key back on the shaft first time had it all back together before I remembered lot easier to take apart the second time

[coombro]

I had a Mercury that had a seal leak and I never had it repaired. Changed oil in it before every winter to keep it from freezing and busting. Never had a problem. Minor leak I'd say as when it was parked it didn't drip oil or showed any sign of a leak. Had that motor for over 20 yrs. Don't know how bad your leak is. Good luck with tearing that thing apart. Don't think I would want to try it manual or not. Trick to every trade

[BigBlueJake]

The more I am reading and researching I think where I messed up was by not replacing the drain / vent gaskets last time I changed the lower unit oil. I did not realize they were only a 1 use gasket. I did change them yesterday because I didn't like the way they were looking so maybe I don't really have a problem. Going to run it a few times and change the fluid again before the cold weather gets here. I figure I should have a better idea of whats really going on by doing that.

[Embrey]

you can pressure test the case and find where the leak is.

[first2fish]

I have had a few lower units that leaked and did not have the money to get fixed but wanted to use the boat so i refilled the lower unit with fresh grease and went to the lake. After returning i would check to see how much water got into the l/u and if there was not much water in the lower unit iwould use it twice before changing again with 80w90 gearcase grease. 80w90 has same specs as any lower unit grease you buy at walmart,marine dealer,etc. Except a lot cheaper. Never use more than twice without changing ! Also i did this on older boats that i did not have a lot of money invested in. Im sure a lot of guys on here think im crazy but when your straped for cash and want to fish it works and i never had a lower unit go out on me--guess im lucky but instead of staring at my boat in the driveway i was using it ! To each his own but thats what i did.

[Embrey]

instead of doing that replace the seals. it doesnt cost that much...especially if you go changing oil all the time

[Shimano4Life]

instead of doing that replace the seals. it doesnt cost that much...especially if you go changing oil all the time

I agree completely with Embrey. Gear lube is not cheap.....especially changing it so often.

[jfw]

I just paid 236.00 for Professional Marine to change mine