I was doing a little work on the boat today since we are in a split here in AR. I noticed a little gear lube weeping out of the top swivel area of the lower unit, so I removed both plugs to check it out and proceeded to drain probably 10-12 oz. of water out ahead of all the gear lube. I know I need to call PD and get a new lower seal.

How do ya'll feel about just refilling it with 80w-90 and running it through the rest of the duck season? I would definitely drain it and refill every couple of hunts. What do ya'll think?

BTW--This is a 2006 model with low hours and has never had a problem with the engine or drive. I have never had the prop off of this motor so I know it is gonna be a BEAR when I do replace the lower seal.

A new lower seal only takes minutes to replace. Most leaks are a lower seal leak. Otherwise Id drain it, refill and go. Check it pretty regular. Gear lube is cheap. When did you last check it?

I changed the lube the last time I checked it and that was the end of Jan. about 2 weeks before end of AR duck season. The boat was run the last two weeks of season and then none all summer. I've hunted a few times this season. Haven't noticed any problems with lower unit other than the weeping gear oil. Everything runs and sounds good when clutch engaged. I don't mind changing the seal out now because I probably won't use boat for first 2 weeks of 2nd season---in other words, I have time to do it. I just know that prop is gonna be a bitxh!!!

Every LU on every boat motor ive ever owned ended up with busted and leaking seals. I just check mine all the time because Im pretty hard on them. If your not making any really long runs you will be fine waiting till after the season.

Thanks. I make relatively short runs of 2-5 miles mostly. I will probably call PD Monday and order what I need.

I will probably go ahead and fix it now. Just to make sure I am doing everything correctly.

The lower unit is drained as of now, so basically all I need to do is:
1--remove clutch cover and put a socket handle to lock it in place
2--remove prop nut
3--Remove prop with prop wrench
4--Remove lower seal
5--Put new lower seal in place
6--Remove old prop bushing
7--Put new prop bushing in place with anti-seize applied
8--Apply anti-seize to threads on prop shaft
9--Thread prop back on and hand tighten
10--Replace prop nut with anti-seize applied
11--Refill lower unit with 80w-90 gear lube

Gotcha. I appreciate your help!

No problem, hope you get it taken care of.

If I remember correctly.

The seal nut is left hand threads.

Replaced mine the other night in about 20 minutes. Takes longer to drain old gear oil than replacing seal. Mine looked like a sorry chocolate milk shake but actually the color is normal after running a few hours, the problem comes when you see water in the gear oil. Oil and water do not mix, so it will seperate.

Wear we hunt is bass fishing capital of the eastern side of SC, so all it takes is a little bit of spider wire to ruin a seal, no matter how new or low hours.