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Gearcase Finish Loss - Cause for Ongoing Concern?

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a387673

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This is a generic outboard question, so posting here as well as in the Suzuki forum. I have years of experience with the Yamaha forum. Hope that's OK.

Considering purchase of tritoon with Suzuki DF150A, but hesitating due to concerns about lower unit. Pic shows where finish has been compromised around gearcase. It looks like this on both sides.

Although the skeg appears similar in the pic, and it does have some finish loss, the upper portion of the skeg that is not visible in the pic retains glossy original finish. Sorry for the lack of pics, but basically, this finish loss is isolated to the exterior of the gearcase. I'm guessing it must have overheated at some point to have caused this. The fluid was black, smelled burnt, needed replacement, but did not have excess metal in it (a little powdery residue). I was told the engine has 41 hours use.

The dealer that has the boat will not allow an on-water test without a signed contract (with test/inspection contingency). On muffs, the unit will shift into forward and reverse and spin the prop without unusual noises. But, I'm scared to sign anything without knowing a little more about this issue.

Thanks for opinions, especially regarding potential future problems.




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Was the boat previously hung on a hoist with the gearcase partially submerged in the water? Could be nothing more than calcium deposits or general water stain from polluted or tanin stained water. Seen it many times. I wouldn't worry about it. Take some rubbing compound and see if it comes off.
 
Thanks fellas, I think you are both right. I went back with rubbing compound before I saw your messages, and it seems to be on the surface. I asked the specific question of if a lift allowed just that portion of the LU to remain in the water, was told no, but who knows. One other point of clarification, engine hours are 166, not 41..... probably sufficient to produce a little "wear" on that oil.

Thanks again for your helpful responses.
 
Establish a new maintenance schedule. Change the gearoil, engine oil and filter, water separating fuel filter, engine fuel filter, pull the prop and grease the propshaft and check for fishing line that could cut your propshaft seal. I would do a waterpump service as well. Everything I own is documented on these maintenance manuals. I did everything on my Yamaha 115 SHO on our pontoon that we bought with 77 hours on it for $386 its easy work and you have friends here to walk you through that entire process. https://www.amazon.com/Maintenance-...PFmJWEJwvwPPH7PREJ4iEUj86o1k7UMpEEuB9CdIKFx4H
 
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