17 hours ago, Log Catcher said:

My outboard motor is a 2003 40HP Mercury. I should have posted this in the original post. I got braid wrapped around the trolling motor prop on a different lake the first time I fished it.

 

I still haven't done anything to put the prop back on. I guess sinus and allergies are getting the best of me.

Looks your post has been hijacked by the trash man?.

You took off the prop and removed the braid line when you noticed it. The braid floats and easy to pick up with propellers, not uncommon.

It’s simple to loosen the lower unit bottom fill screw with the engine down. If water or brown fluid runs out the seal is bad, if not go fishing. When you put the boat back on the trailer check lower unit lower again for discolored lub.

I would change lub and the seals when you get a chance.

Tom

I drained a little bit of fluid out of the lower unit today. It looks brand new. Did not see any indications of water in it. I refilled it and put the prop back on. May try to go fishing tomorrow for a little while and check it again.

 

I have never replaced a seal on a lower unit. I probably have the tools I need but there may be some things I am not aware of in doing this. I would take it to a repair shop and let them do it. Hopefully everything will be done right.

 

I realize this thread was getting derailed. I have derailed a few myself. Hopefully we can get it back on track now.

3 hours ago, Log Catcher said:

I drained a little bit of fluid out of the lower unit today. It looks brand new. Did not see any indications of water in it. I refilled it and put the prop back on. May try to go fishing tomorrow for a little while and check it again.

 

I have never replaced a seal on a lower unit. I probably have the tools I need but there may be some things I am not aware of in doing this. I would take it to a repair shop and let them do it. Hopefully everything will be done right.

 

I realize this thread was getting derailed. I have derailed a few myself. Hopefully we can get it back on track now.

^^^^hijack many myself^^^

On 9/1/2022 at 7:40 PM, Log Catcher said:

I drained a little bit of fluid out of the lower unit today. It looks brand new. Did not see any indications of water in it. I refilled it and put the prop back on. May try to go fishing tomorrow for a little while and check it again.

 

I have never replaced a seal on a lower unit. I probably have the tools I need but there may be some things I am not aware of in doing this. I would take it to a repair shop and let them do it. Hopefully everything will be done right.

 

I realize this thread was getting derailed. I have derailed a few myself. Hopefully we can get it back on track now.

Good deal!