XR6 lower unit gone?

[jrh_67]

2005 Mercury XR6 150 SN 1B191100. Well I went to change my lower unit oil this morning and nothing at all drained out. It was bone dry! Tried to turn the prop and it wouldn't budge but finally got it to turn by hand although it's pretty hard to turn. When turning I can hear the gears grinding but I haven't put new fluid in it yet. I plan on putting the new fluid in, cranking it and putting it in gear in the driveway. Then I'm gonna drain it and see how many metal shavings come out. I don't have any place where I store the boat that shows any signs of it leaking, no oil on the ground etc. that would indicate a leak. Also it was shifting and running fine last trip out in it a few weeks ago. What are the chances it could be saved? If indeed it is bad what are my options? May be time to just get a new mercury 150hp motor. If it does come down to it can anyone recommend a good place in the Dallas Fort Worth area that will repower it with a brand new engine?... Thanks in advance.

[revlimiter]

You can find a used gearcase for that motor in the 4-800 dollar range. Lots out there that will fit it. Far cheaper than a new engine unless you need an excuse to get a new one, lol.

[jrh_67]

I added fluid and it actually turns pretty easy now. I can hear the gears inside but I'm not sure how much of that is normal. I cranked it up and it shifts in and out of gear ok. I let it idle in gear for a few minutes and then shut if off. I'll drain it again in a few minutes and see what comes out...

[bassfisher444]

If you go with a new motor get a Yamaha 175 SHO.

[jrh_67]

Well to update, that didn't go well at all. After just a few minutes idling in gear in the driveway the new fluid came out thick, black and full of metal shavings. The magnetic drain screw was caked with metal. Looks like I either need a lower or new motor.....

[jrh_67]

I've come to the conclusion that since Joe54 is the one that works on my boat let's all line up and blame him...lol. I mean... somehow or another it has to be the mechanic's fault doesn't it? All kidding aside I bought this lower from him used about 5 years ago and I use my boat, it doesn't just sit around. God only knows how many hours I've got on it in that time so I got my moneys worth for sure. I'm half tempted to just go run it and see how long it last before it implodes but I don't want to get stranded. HEY JOE! Ya got another one laying around your shop...lol

[leonreno]

I don’t think that one will last long, sounds pretty bad. I would look for used one before taking it out again.

[JOE54]

i do have one here ill be in touch , ive seen fishing line destroy a new ones in one trip , i know a guy that lost 2 TORQUE MASTERS in one year 20,000.00 worth of gearcases