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Damaged Skeg/Lower Unit Gear Oil
mjkpainting	#1  Posted on 07/23/12 - 4:46 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 27 Comments: 1 Joined: 11/24/10	Hi guys I hit a rock a couple of weeks ago and in took about a 2 inch chunk out of my skeg. I had a gentleman come over and weld the aluminum piece that was damaged. About an hour after he left, I noticed that oil was dripping from the prop area. I would say a good 2 ounces dripped out. Is this something I should be concerned about??????? If adding more gear oil is a the obvious suggestion, can you guys give me an idea on how to do that as well as where to purchase the lower gear oil. I apologize. I am new to boating and I do try and research before I ask but in this case I'm kind of at a loss. I always appreciate you guys helping me out. You guys are a life saver. Love this site.
Kindervb	#2  Posted on 07/23/12 - 4:51 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 26 Comments: 0 Joined: 06/16/12	If you have gear oil leaking out you need to get it to a mechanic to inspect as water will get in and cause bigger problems
Mtierney	#3  Posted on 07/23/12 - 7:06 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 172 Comments: 0 Joined: 01/08/12	Changing the gear oil is not a big deal, there is a top and bottom screw on most lower units. The lube is available at most marine stores, gt one with a pump action as you fill from the bottom up. I would YouTube the engine and the process. The bigger issue is if it continues to leak. It may have been the heat expansion from the weld, or a bad seal, or more worrisome, damage from the impact. Good luck 1985 Newport 17 w/ 70 yamaha
donp	#4  Posted on 07/24/12 - 4:14 AM
Member Posts: 222 Comments: 0 Joined: 08/12/08	You didn’t mention what type of motor you have, but from your personal page picture it appears you own a 2 stroke. If so, it’s not uncommon to have an oil substance run out with the exhaust. On the dark side, the heat may have damaged the seals.
Tom W Clark	#5  Posted on 07/24/12 - 6:22 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 4280 Comments: 7 Joined: 09/30/05	...I noticed that oil was dripping from the prop area. I would say a good 2 ounces dripped out. Is this something I should be concerned about? Yes, be very concerned. That is not residual two stroke oil, it is gear lube leaking out after the welder damaged the seal around the carrier bearing (which should have been removed prior to welding and reinstalled afterwards). The gearcase will now have to be resealed. Do NOT use the boat until you get this fixed.
Bake	#6  Posted on 07/24/12 - 4:28 PM
Member Personal Page Project Albums Posts: 902 Comments: 8 Joined: 01/30/06	The seals should have been removed prior to welding. As stated above the heat from welding probably damaged the seal.
mjkpainting	#7  Posted on 07/24/12 - 5:58 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 27 Comments: 1 Joined: 11/24/10	I called a marina today and I am going to get the seals replaced. Thanks for the responses guys. I really appreciated it. I had No idea that the seals needed to be removed. Thats my fault for trying to save a buck and getting a welder off of craigslist. I thought I was doing a good thing but I guess not.
seahorse	#8  Posted on 07/25/12 - 6:59 AM
Member Posts: 103 Comments: 0 Joined: 05/21/06	Many experienced welders fill the exhaust cavity with water to absorb the heat and to protect the seals while welding a new skeg. Others remove the gearcase and lay it a water bath with the skeg area exposed, then start welding.
Bake	#9  Posted on 07/25/12 - 7:49 AM
Member Personal Page Project Albums Posts: 902 Comments: 8 Joined: 01/30/06	By the way jb weld and other such metal fillers work great on skegs that have minor damage.