Amazing what a little oil will do

[matt hougan]

I had some trouble last week during our cold snap with my motor not shifting right. It would not stay in reverse and you really had to pull hard to get it into drive all the way.

I knew it had been leaking some oil and I needed to change the lower unit oil. The other day I had some time to change the oil. I loosened the srew and I bet 2 cups of water poured out. There was certainly more water than oil.

I ran the boat to the blind yesterday and ran the boat to pick up a few birds and it ran like a champ.

The water in the lower unit must have ben frozen preventing the gears from engaging properly. I also got in the mail a new seal kit for the lower unit.

WooHoo!

[boats.net]

That could have been bad resulting in gear, bearing or even cracked housing. Glad you found it in time.

[matt hougan]

I'm wondering if there exists a longer tiller handle for that motor? I'd like to add an after market tilt/trim but fear the tiller would be way too short.