Lower Unit Leak on 2008 250 ProXS

[A Frayed Knot]

To make a long story short I had my boat wrapped and winterized in late november @ a local "reputable" dealer that is now no longer in business. My boat is currently stored in one of my rental house's garage which is not insulated or heated but is out of the wind. I drove over today to check on her and she had about a 4" puddle of gear lube under the skag. I traced a run of the lube up the lower unit to where it bolts to the motor... Should I assume it wasn't winterized correctly and has water in it that is expanding? Do I need to drain it again? Since its leaking are there other possible problems that may have occurred that should be checked/addressed now? Just don't want this to get any worse or have problems next season! Any and all advice is appreciated!

[EuropeanAM]

I would recommend that you "promptly" have the gearcase drained, and "pressure tested" to check for leaks (varying pressures, such as 2, 6, 10, 15 psi... do NOT exceed 15 psi).

There should be NO lube in the case when pressure tested... rotate driveshaft, shift shaft, and propshaft while checking for leaks with "soapy water".

Even if water is NOT present... it is possible that the gearcase was "substantially overfilled", resulting in excess pressure as the fluid expanded and contracted (and eventual "venting" through the driveshaft or shift-shaft seal).

If the engine is under the "factory" warranty period, nearly all seal failures (defective) are covered.