1992 Yamaha 25hp

[jaimeniswonger]

I’m a recent new owner of a 1992 Yamaha 25hp outboard (model C25ELRQ)…and welcome any advice.

Here’s the story — after first trip out I noticed a little gear oil leaking from the "oil level" hole in the lower unit.  Some brief research led me to think I had water in the gear case, and sure enough, upon pulling the drain plug a small amount of water came out before any oil.  When removing the the "oil level" screw I noticed that the gasket (nylon washer) was tattered, and since the visible leak was from there, I suspected that might be the source of the water entering as well.  So, bought a new gasket, drained all the oil, refilled it.

After next trip out, I pulled the drain plug, and had NO water in the gearbox.  In my mind, problem solved.  Wrong.

After third trip out I didn’t check it - thinking the problem was gone.  The fourth trip out I was tooling along, I put the engine in reverse, and couldn’t get it to go back into forward.  Just locked solid…I could go from reverse to neutral, but could not get it to engage the forward gear.  No grinding, the lever just wouldn’t even move in that direction.  

So, after a LONG trip back across the lake in reverse — i disconnected the gear shift rod, and immediately it seemed okay again — meaning it would move up and down w/o issue.  I reconnected it, and was able to easily move between neutral, forward, and reverse.

Obviously this made me wonder WTH, so I pulled the drain plug only to find the oil was completely emulsified - like chocolate milk.  Bummer.

Since then, I have pulled the lower unit, and did an air pressure test and found that ALL of the seals are leaking - top seals around drive shaft, seal around gear shift rod, and prop shaft seals.  Obviously I don’t know what kind of damage was done, but I do know that the motor was not run long or hard in the time between when I know the oil was fine, and this event.  I didn’t see any metal shavings/debris in the drained oil.  It is obviously concerning though that I couldn’t get into forward gear.

So, I guess I am asking for those with more experience than me what I should do.  I don’t have the tools to fix the seals (primarily the bearing carrier puller) and have not done it before.  Should I just take it to a local marine shop (I live in Lee’s Summit, so Blue Springs Marine, Midwest Marine, etc) and pay their price, or is there a more reasonable/better option?  Also, is the problem I encountered with the forward gear likely a symptom of the oil issue, or have I likely already done damage…or do I have another problem there?

Open to suggestions and advice.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Hopefully @fishinwrenchsees this.  

[fishinwrench]

The shifting issue may be a neutral safety block issue.  Look under the flywheel and confirm that the neutral safety block mechanism is working properly (your throttle should only advance 1/3 while in neutral, and you shouldn't be able to start the motor unless it is in neutral).   

The engine tilt mechanism also can effect the shifting, since reverse lock has to engage and disengage.

As for the reseal job....it isn't difficult really, but does require a few specialized tools and some education.     Might not be a bad idea to have the gearcase opened up and inspected, so yeah.....take it somewhere and pay the dude.  

[jaimeniswonger]

@fishinwrench - thanks for the reply and information!

[jaimeniswonger]

@fishinwrench - is this something you would have interest in doing?

[fishinwrench]

43 minutes ago, jaimeniswonger said:

@fishinwrench - is this something you would have interest in doing?

I'd be happy to, if you don't mind the wait.  I'm booked solid for the next 2 weeks.   Could possibly squeeze it in sooner if delays happen on other jobs. 

[jaimeniswonger]

@fishinwrench - can you call me when you have time - 816.516.4295

[MrGiggles]

I got a whole lot of parts for that motor if you ever need any. Unfortunately I just sold the lower unit.

[jaimeniswonger]

1 hour ago, MrGiggles said:

I got a whole lot of parts for that motor if you ever need any. Unfortunately I just sold the lower unit.

 

Nice - will keep that in mind!

[Ketchup]

On 10/16/2020 at 11:12 AM, fishinwrench said:

I'd be happy to, if you don't mind the wait.  I'm booked solid for the next 2 weeks.   Could possibly squeeze it in sooner if delays happen on other jobs. 

Stop stuffing pellets in those fancy guns you have, and you will have plenty of time to fix his motor. 😜