Fishing Line/Prop Question

[shallow1]

I picked up some fishing line around the prop of my Yam 150, didn't look like it did any damage, how would I know?

[Superman]

Anytime anything gets around the prop it's something to take note of and examine, especially when it's fishing line! Fishing line can quickly work its way in between your hub and seal, causing a leak in your lower unit lubrication and allowing seawater to get in. Here are a couple of ways to check and see if this is what's going on: First, if the line was around the shaft behind the prop, it's highly suspect. That's a hard place to get into, and once it's there, it's not far from the hub seal. Secondly, if there is a putrid odor coming from the hub, it's gear lube. Gear lube stinks something awful, and is easy to smell where it's leaking. Lastly, if there are any signs of lubricant anywhere on the exterior of the lower unit, hub or prop, you have a leak. If you see any of these three symptoms, DO NOT use the motor until a mechanic has checked it out.

[tunatamer]

Spend a few bucks on piece of mind, a marine mechanic can pressure test the lower unit and put in new oil in just a few minutes. Most likely time to change it anyway.

[dhadley]

Yep, if it's time to change the gear oil anyway now's a good time to pressure & vacuume test the unit. If it's not time for an oil change just crack the drain screw. If the oil is milky or you get water, time for a visit to the shop. If you get nice clear oil, you should be good to go.