LouC wrote:
Are you sure that the pump itself is not bleeding down pressure?
Hi Lou and Everyone...
My apologies for not responding sooner. Ended up injuring myself last week and couldn't work on anything for awhile. Note to self - always wear protective lenses in the garage from now on. Broke a light bulb overhead and got glass in my eye.
Anyway, to answer your question, Lou - I am pretty sure the pump itself was not leaking, as I tested it in stand alone mode and it held for three hours without an apparent leak.
So, what I've learned since writing is - a Four Winns mechanic shared with me that he recommends testing for 5-7 minutes at 15 PSI. If it holds with air, then it will surely hold with 90W gear oil. Those on the various forums who recommend 24 hours are expecting too much, in his opinion.
That said, I felt compelled to pull off the props and see what I could see. What I found was lots of fluid, but I am presuming most of it is from the deteriorated hose that connects the fluid container on the engine to the outdrive, as I got about two quarts of gear oil out of the outdrive when I drained it. However, just to be safe, I figured I'd replace the easiest seal to get to - the carrier bearing housing seal. I am unsure about the inner and outer prop shaft and their respective seals. I am afraid to start dealing with shims, etc...as the various write ups I find are less than clear to me.
I'll replace the one seal, fix that damaged hose and put it back together and watch it like a hawk.
LouC wrote:
Do you have a sample of un-contaminated gear oil from the outdrive? If so I'd consider sending it to Blackstone Labs or similar to get the oil tested.
I do not, as I let it drain into a contaminated container. I will do so after this season with both gear and engine oil. Thank you for the recommendation...!