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jgilchrist
MMT Member
Joined: Tue May 28, 2013 8:53 pm Posts: 17
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 PD lower unit leak
Ok so forgive me if i missed this on my search, i took the boat to the river today and after a fairly short run ( maybe 20 minutes wide open) i got the boat home to find oil leaking all the way around where the lower unit goes up to the clutch area. The first little gap above the curtis sticker. It is a decent amount of oil but not enough to drip off the bottom. Any ideas? It does not sound any different than normal.
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Mon Aug 05, 2013 8:09 pm |
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OwenDickeson
MMT Elite Member
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 12:45 pm Posts: 9869
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
post a pic.
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Mon Aug 05, 2013 8:10 pm |
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jgilchrist
MMT Member
Joined: Tue May 28, 2013 8:53 pm Posts: 17
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
Pic
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Mon Aug 05, 2013 8:29 pm |
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270Handiman
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:46 pm Posts: 2342 Location: Mandeville, LA
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
Hmmmm....thinking it's getting ready to start sounding different. Prodrive guys will be here shortly.
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Mon Aug 05, 2013 8:50 pm |
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banded-mallard
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 8:18 pm Posts: 4310
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
Lower unit seal. Mine is an 07' and it did this last year. I also had some come out up top near the clutch. On the prop nut, there is a set of rubber seals. My 07' had the "old style" prop nut which contained 2 seals. I called PD and was informed that they had a new prop nut with 3 seals. Brought it to Peck and he swapped out the old nut for the new style with 3 seals. Been rolling ever since.
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Tue Aug 06, 2013 5:19 am |
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JLACOUR
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:18 pm Posts: 4915 Location: Lake Jackson, TX
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
Also note that the seal nut is left handed threads.
_________________ 37 PD EFI FPR 18x48 Tiller SOLD -- 36 PD EFI FPR 18x48 Stick Steer SOLD -- 27 PD FPR 16x36 Skiff
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Tue Aug 06, 2013 8:55 am |
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Buzz Killington
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2012 12:33 pm Posts: 2455
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
those seals arent cheap!
In Canada - $21 a piece!
OW!
_________________ Support your troops - they support you
B. MacDonald
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Wed Aug 07, 2013 9:11 am |
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moduckhunter
MMT Member
Joined: Sat Mar 21, 2009 8:36 pm Posts: 23
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
Quick question from a Prodrive newbie - so if the seal is located down behind the prop, how come it leaks at the top and not down by the prop?
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Wed Aug 07, 2013 12:23 pm |
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cb5331
MMT Super Elite Member
Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2009 8:10 pm Posts: 16915 Location: Rowlett, TX
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
Water comes in the bottom and the pressure blows it out the top. I'd change the top seal too if it were mine..
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Wed Aug 07, 2013 12:35 pm |
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jgilchrist
MMT Member
Joined: Tue May 28, 2013 8:53 pm Posts: 17
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
so i assume i would be good to go ahead and replace both seals and new oil. what kind of oil should i run in it? And do i just call prodrive to get new seals?
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Thu Aug 08, 2013 7:28 am |
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OwenDickeson
MMT Elite Member
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 12:45 pm Posts: 9869
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
Yes call Pro-Drive and ask for Peck.
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Thu Aug 08, 2013 7:38 am |
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T-Bubba
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2009 6:43 pm Posts: 3958 Location: Centerville, La
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
where you located?
the seals are bad on your shaft as others said...
the gear case is vented in the tower housing... water is heavier than oil... so you know why its pushing the oil out
_________________ I gave up mud motors
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Thu Aug 08, 2013 7:59 am |
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jgilchrist
MMT Member
Joined: Tue May 28, 2013 8:53 pm Posts: 17
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
near fayetteville, nc i just spoke with peck and he said to same thing, to replace the prop nut and seal, about $100 with a $50 rebate if i send the old nut in. Going to call him back tomorrow and order it when i can get my serial number.
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Thu Aug 08, 2013 10:50 am |
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11Bravo
MMT Pro Member
Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2012 6:48 pm Posts: 180
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
OK, just replaced my 07 with the updated seal. Still getting what you showed. So there is a vent up top? May that is why I'm still getting water. Since I have only pulled the engine to do a clutch I never looked further at how any water would drain from the top of the LU. Water can get in from the top aluminum plate under the engine and also around the apron covering the clutch. Does this salt water drain out or does it end up laying on top of the top LU seal? I changed the seal to the upgrade on my 2007 at the bottom and still am getting the chocolate milk in the gear case. I run in deep rough water most days and even took it into the ocean on a calm day. I also hose it down good after each trip in the salt so add fresh water to the mix. Please explain whats below the clutch. If its the vent, can it be plugged or extended up above possible water?
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Thu Aug 08, 2013 6:41 pm |
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T-Bubba
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2009 6:43 pm Posts: 3958 Location: Centerville, La
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
there is a vent inside the tower housing..
if the seals are good it should not have water in it.
I've cut seals after one trip... if you run a lot of grass make sure you cut it from around the prop
_________________ I gave up mud motors
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Fri Aug 09, 2013 5:15 am |
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cb5331
MMT Super Elite Member
Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2009 8:10 pm Posts: 16915 Location: Rowlett, TX
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
If you put in fresh seals and its still leaking, the shaft could be worn.
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Fri Aug 09, 2013 7:27 am |
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11Bravo
MMT Pro Member
Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2012 6:48 pm Posts: 180
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
My shaft is perfect, plus after a week of sitting not a drop of either water or oil mix came out above the prop on the output shaft. I sure wish there was a good parts break down drawing on the LU. I thought I read somewhere the vent was done away with?
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Fri Aug 09, 2013 5:35 pm |
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JIMMY W
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2009 8:02 pm Posts: 4534 Location: South Louisiana
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
Everybody always jumps on changing lower seals everytime this comes up and they might be right!The 4 years that I ran the prodrives and worked on a couple others it has always but once been the top seal getting the water and it did it from washing motor after use!There are 2 ways to see if top seal is bad.1.Remove top filler plug and shine in hole with flashlight while some lets water run slow under and around clutch area,you will see water drip in lower unit.2.Drain lower unit lube after washing motor before running and clear water will come out last!Good luck,This always worked for me 
_________________ 17/54 GT EXTREME Center Console, Huntdeck w/ GTR 35
Hoyt Mods and some other goodies
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Fri Aug 09, 2013 5:44 pm |
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JIMMY W
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2009 8:02 pm Posts: 4534 Location: South Louisiana
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
I don't think yours has a vent on it!
_________________ 17/54 GT EXTREME Center Console, Huntdeck w/ GTR 35
Hoyt Mods and some other goodies
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Fri Aug 09, 2013 5:46 pm |
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11Bravo
MMT Pro Member
Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2012 6:48 pm Posts: 180
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
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Fri Aug 09, 2013 6:23 pm |
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JIMMY W
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2009 8:02 pm Posts: 4534 Location: South Louisiana
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
The lower unit is almost bullet proof when it comes to water hurting it but I would call Peck at prodrive and let him send you some instructions on changing the top seal.It really is not hard to do at all if you have someway of lifting the powerhead!Where are you located might be a member close to help!
_________________ 17/54 GT EXTREME Center Console, Huntdeck w/ GTR 35
Hoyt Mods and some other goodies
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Sat Aug 10, 2013 4:38 am |
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11Bravo
MMT Pro Member
Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2012 6:48 pm Posts: 180
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
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Sat Aug 10, 2013 8:17 am |
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OwenDickeson
MMT Elite Member
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 12:45 pm Posts: 9869
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
Doubt you have the vented shaft in an 07'
If your tower housing is packed with grease very well, then water may not be able to drain easily, or at all.
Once you pull the powerhead up, you will look down and see 4 bolts in a circle. Once you remove those, the lower unit will fall out the housing. To prevent that, make sure you have the tension knob cranked down pretty good. That way once you pull the last of the 4 bolts, you will be able to put your tools down, and then focus on holding the lower unit while you release tension on the knob.
Are you checking the lower unit oil after running the boat, or are you waiting a day or two?
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Sat Aug 10, 2013 9:31 am |
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banded-mallard
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 8:18 pm Posts: 4310
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
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Sat Aug 10, 2013 11:00 am |
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11Bravo
MMT Pro Member
Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2012 6:48 pm Posts: 180
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
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Sat Aug 10, 2013 3:11 pm |
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JIMMY W
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2009 8:02 pm Posts: 4534 Location: South Louisiana
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
If it is making gear lube that is pushing up to clutch your seal is bad!!Period!Go ahead and break out the tools and get it fixed 
_________________ 17/54 GT EXTREME Center Console, Huntdeck w/ GTR 35
Hoyt Mods and some other goodies
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Sat Aug 10, 2013 3:48 pm |
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11Bravo
MMT Pro Member
Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2012 6:48 pm Posts: 180
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
Update, pictures and questions. Pulled the power head and lower unit today. The first picture shows the damaged seal. Yes mine had the vent, a typical type auto style used on rears. Peck told me to plug that off. He also asked if I had a grease fitting to grease the top part of the LU where the bearing is. I don't so he told me to pack the top bearing with grease before the new seal goes in. So my question is could I retro fit a zerk for that top bearing? and a picture would help as to where and how it's handled.
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Wed Aug 14, 2013 1:32 pm |
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JIMMY W
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2009 8:02 pm Posts: 4534 Location: South Louisiana
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
Told you  It has always been the top one for me also!
_________________ 17/54 GT EXTREME Center Console, Huntdeck w/ GTR 35
Hoyt Mods and some other goodies
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Wed Aug 14, 2013 2:43 pm |
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banded-mallard
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 8:18 pm Posts: 4310
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
I never changed my top seal. Where is it located?
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Thu Aug 15, 2013 5:22 am |
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11Bravo
MMT Pro Member
Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2012 6:48 pm Posts: 180
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
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Sat Aug 17, 2013 3:49 pm |
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JIMMY W
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2009 8:02 pm Posts: 4534 Location: South Louisiana
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
_________________ 17/54 GT EXTREME Center Console, Huntdeck w/ GTR 35
Hoyt Mods and some other goodies
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Sat Aug 17, 2013 8:21 pm |
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forever draggin
MMT Elite Member
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2009 7:10 pm Posts: 6664 Location: in the marsh with a boat load full of dead hookers
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
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Sat Aug 17, 2013 9:16 pm |
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banded-mallard
MMT 1000 Club
Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 8:18 pm Posts: 4310
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
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Sun Aug 18, 2013 8:10 am |
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owen5
MMT Pro Member
Joined: Sun Dec 18, 2011 5:07 pm Posts: 58
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
are there any special tools needed to replace the upper LU seal on a 2007 PD once you get the LU dropped?
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Mon Jan 27, 2014 7:27 pm |
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11Bravo
MMT Pro Member
Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2012 6:48 pm Posts: 180
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
I never use special tools, either build them as needed or find something that works. Seal drivers, I have had great success over the years using PVC pipe and or fittings. Having a lathe helps as I can turn down the plastic of various sizes to to fit the job. If the seal gets set in I turn a shoulder to get the right depth and also gives me a square shaft to bore seal install. BTW, my improvement worked. cut a slice of aluminum coil stock maybe 3/4" wide and siliconed it into the bottom plate. acts like a gutter so water will not easily run down on top of the seal. Stands proud of the lower plate by maybe a 1/4" yet it seems to work fine. I run in rough, deep salt water most days.
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Mon Jan 27, 2014 7:59 pm |
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hogslayer
MMT Member
Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:33 pm Posts: 5
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
Can anyone help me figure out why my grease zert on my lower unit that behind the Allen screw plug won't take in any grease. I pulled out grease zert and I can get grease out of the grease zert. But when I put the grease zert back in I still can't get it to take grease into the houseing. Are my bearings bad
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Mon Jan 27, 2014 9:15 pm |
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OwenDickeson
MMT Elite Member
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 12:45 pm Posts: 9869
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
There arent any bearings in there. You most likely have a bunch of old, bad grease in there.
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Tue Jan 28, 2014 8:33 am |
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Will
MMT Elite Member
Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2011 1:54 pm Posts: 8133
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
_________________ Before the internet, the majority of the village idiots stayed in their villages.
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Tue Jan 28, 2014 8:58 am |
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OwenDickeson
MMT Elite Member
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 12:45 pm Posts: 9869
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
My bad, for some reason I thought he was talking about the grease fitting to grease the tower housing. Need more coffee.
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Tue Jan 28, 2014 9:07 am |
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hogslayer
MMT Member
Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:33 pm Posts: 5
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 Re: PD lower unit leak
So how should I go by fixing my problem? It starting to make a lil noise like a electric motor sound but behind that grease zerk ?
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Tue Jan 28, 2014 3:53 pm |
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