HOW A LOWER UNIT WORKS!!!

[@yoster77]

One of the best videos you've done in awhile imo. No click bait, very informative and fun to watch. A+!!

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@davebest6369]

Outstanding explanation, I now know a lot more how the lower unit works. I am just getting into boating, and this is really helpful.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Awesome! Glad to hear you are getting into the boats!

[@davebest6369]

@BornAgainBoating I think I jumped in the deep end. I got a 27'World Cat 2770. I've taken a class and been reading several books. I'm going to take it slow and really like the boat.

[@gregfeldman6818]

Your approach sounds excellent. Don’t be shy about meeting other boaters and inviting them for brief excursions on your vessel and try to go boating with others. Just my 2c

[@davebest6369]

Thank you, I will. Most boaters I've meet seem to be more than helpful. I am looking forward to getting out and enjoying the boat.

[@jacobstacko3056]

I’m a diesel mechanic and this came across my recommendations. I find anything mechanical fascinating and I love furthering my knowledge. The name of your channel caught my attention right away. I went to your webpage and I have to say, I LOVE that you’re using your vocation to share the Gospel. So amazing to see another gear-head Jesus follower out there. God bless you and keep it up!

[@BornAgainBoating]

Awesome brother thank you!

[@lucbrousseau6114]

WOW, you, my friend, are a genius! Best explanation in ALL my years of learning mechanical stuff...and I'm 63 years old !!! This video tops all others. In just a couple of minutes, you did a fantastic job and a very precise explanation of this lower unit. I wish I had you as a teacher.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you lol glad it was informational!

[@jerryq1000]

I've only ever changed the gear lube on a yearly basis, first time I've seen "inside" the gear case. Excellent explanation of how things operate. Very interesting on the shim info; had no idea those numbers were there. Great job.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you! Lol yeah, it's nice to see the other side of things you normally don't get too :)

[@rdennisgill8982]

Absolutely great. Best explanation I have ver heard and takes all the black magic away from how your lower unit works.

[@dayronmartinez1109]

Thank you for taking your time to make this!

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you! My pleasure!

[@daleneudorf9447]

was looking for a breakdown on this leg but was not expecting to find a single video that covered it all in depth but very simply at the same time. Outstanding work.Thanks

[@maverickmisenko7234]

Great way to see it all layed out like that. Very informational!

[@cesarrios9781]

My inboard outboard 1990 Glatron boat won't go forward or backward. I figured it's a gear problem. This video was a great detailed explanation of how the whole system works. Great job! Thanks a bunch!!

[@UQRXD]

I use too rebuild the old Merc Alpha 1 Stern Drive units. There are special tools and ways to rebuild that you can only learn from someone who knows how to do this the right way. This one you show is a bit simpler I assume this is an outboard engine. My boats were used in the ocean and out there your life can depend on the boat running.

[@BornAgainBoating]

That's awesome, a lot of similarities in the stern drives and the outboards with the exception of the uppers on the stern drives lol but this was a smaller 25HP outboard so yeah, a lot simplier!

[@darrylmcleman6456]

Great Stuff!!! Good to hear you calling it a "Clutch Dog". I first became aquainted with those components in 1964 with my 5 1/2 johnson outboard. On many Y.T. Vids now I hear young folks talking aboud "DOG CLUTCH" and I get the urge to tell them it is a clutch dog not a "Dog Clutch"! CHEERS from Westcoast Vancouver Island!!!

[@johnnybuvik2571]

Best ever. Got the same engine and you saved my lower unit.

[@patrickstjean7646]

Great video. You did an excellent job. I had a limited understanding, having changed an impeller once, and the carrier seals one, but now I can mentally visualize how the entire lower unit functions.

[@boatsandoutboards9070]

So well explained. Definitely "No user servicable parts inside" in my case

[@BornAgainBoating]

Lol :)

[@stephenleone2375]

I've got a 2002 Johnson V4 115 hp engine that's recently been experiencing extremely hard shifting from both Neutral to Forward, and Neutral to Reverse. Last spring, I took the time to lubricate the binnacle mechanism that I purchased used from a freshwater boat to replace the one that was on the boat, as well as lubricate both the throttle cable and shift cable by using tubing hose clamped to the cable, filled it with silicone lubricant, and pressurized it until the silicone lubricant came out the other end at the outboard. After doing all of this, the throttle cable moves so effortlessly that I have to be careful that I don't launch the onto plane after making the slightest change in position once in gear, but the shift cable is still extremely hard to shift, and many times when pushing the throttle forward from Neutral to Forward, the engine just revs to 1,500 RPM in Neutral and then goes into gear with a delayed shift. Based on what I've done already to rectify this situation and the symptoms that I'm still experiencing, would you say that I have a bad shift cable (it is the original), or is my issue in the lower end? Any advice from Born Again Boating would be GREATLY appreciated.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Well, a couple things, yes, definitely could be the cable still even though you did all that work. But: Have you tried to disconnect the cables and run the engine without the cables connected? Like try and shift it by hand with some pliers or something there at the engine and see if you still have the same issue even by hand? What is the RPM when you are shifting? If it's higher than 1000 you are going to have a hard shift either way because the force of everything spinning that high.

[@stephenleone2375]

@@BornAgainBoating - With how tightly packaged the throttle cable, shift cable, other wires, and the rubber straps for the airbox / silencer straps are that tuck in-between the engine block and lower cowl, it's difficult to get at. I need to find out how to remove that lower cowl, so that I can easily get at the shift cable to disconnect it and test just like you said, but despite removing a number of screws, I'm unable to get the lower cowl off. I feel like it's still secured somewhere in the mid-section of the engine. I even bought an Evinrude factory manual from Ebay, which I thought would assist with removing this, but proved to be of no use. I guess that I have to just pull on it harder and see about getting it off. I would say that it's shifting at 1,500 - 1,800 RPM when initially put from Neutral to Forward, so yes, it's going to be violent when doing so. From Neutral to Reverse, it's not so bad, but not normal by any means. It also has a hard time finding Neutral many times. When I'm docking and in Forward, I have to pull the binnacle back to Neutral and temporarily bump it into Reverse to then push forward to get it into Neutral. It's not an issue with the binnacle, as when the cables aren't hooked up to it, the binnacle mechanism performs properly and flawlessly. It's clearly either the shift cable, or the shift mechanism on the outboard. I've hosed down the shift mechanism levers and rods (as best that I can) with lubrication, but that hasn't changed anything. I need to get the cowl off and test further the cable and shift mechanism on the outboard.

[@craigfrancis9578]

Wow I said to my self why the engine send out water and this video explains everything thank you sir

[@TheFritz423]

Good explanation. Learn something every time I watch one your videos.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you, and that's awesome!

[@nguyenviettuannguyen331]

Very informative, make me felt like I could be certified yam tech after watching the video.

[@Busabuck100]

Any way to check those forward and rev clearances, between pinion and F R gears ? Great informative video.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Every gear case is different but you have to check the backlashes by using different tools and based on the tolerances you can adjust it using shims :)

[@NearbyCactus]

Fantastic explanation! Really enjoyed this.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@travisderthick9361]

The gears have to touch each other!

[@joeythedime1838]

This was incredibly informative. Thank you.

[@Marine-Maintenance-Fife]

Great video. More content like this please 👍🏻😎 Best I’ve seen yet !!

[@oneida80100]

Excellent video, thanks for creating this information for us to use.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you and you are welcome!

[@samiller63]

Thank you for this video. I now have a good understanding how it works, and probably why mine doesn't want to go in reverse.

[@varunbihariesingh8787]

Amazing explanation, always wondered how it worked. Keep it up

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@markwebb8013]

Really informative and interesting, appreciate it.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@Wayne-xy6yw]

Thanks for the great teaching which is easily understood. I have just purchased a 2012 Mercury 90 four stroke efi and when checking the water pump found the lower Unit top pinion shaft bearing has some rust on it indicating the seal was leaking .The Manual says to replace the bearing ($150 NZD ) if it shows rust but my question is when i lift the shaft up and put it in gear it sounds and feels smooth and only when there is no upward pressure on the shaft does it sound a bit noisy. The Oil had no metal particles in it but possibly indications of a little water in it as it only has 80 hours on it and the manual says the first drain might indicate assembly lube. What do you think, pull it apart or leave as is with new seals .I'm in New Zealand and a brother in Christ..

[@BornAgainBoating]

I'd fill it and send that biscuit! The little bit of rust you see, from what you are describing, is just from it sitting and being low on lube or having some moisture in there. But, you would be surprised on how durable they are. Fill it normally and then I would replace the gear lube in like 20 hours just to get all dirt out. As you run it, the bearing will grind all that rust off and the gear lube will retain it. So change the lube and as long as there isn't damage in there, but the way you described it, it had a leak, got a little water in, and just sat for a long time, being a 2012 with 80 hours. So rust developed on the upper driveshaft bearing. Fill it with lube and it will clean itself and wear into place. If there is massive amounts of rust, you'll need to clean it real good, but it sounds like its' just surface rust, which, should be able to clean it up and change the gear lube and be good to go

[@Wayne-xy6yw]

@@BornAgainBoating I appreciate you taking the time for such a detailed reply.

[@crispernator]

Gday mate that is the best explanation of the workings of a gear case i have seen you made it look easy pulling out carrier from the housing but ive seen some hell carriers ,question is there a special socket you used to turn the drive shaft when getting the pinion nut of ? ive bookmarked this as i said it is the best explanation of tollerences and the breakdown of the gearcase i have ever seen .

[@BornAgainBoating]

Hey, thank you! Yes, it depends on the lower unit, but there are special sockets that you can get that slide over the driveshaft to hold it! Depending on the lower too, you might need a special wrench, or have to make a special wrench to hold the nut. But check out Marine Tech Tools, they usually have the sockets for the driveshafts that you could get for whatever you need :)

[@daleandrews7554]

Great job explaining this set up!

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thanks!

[@howardcushman5288]

Great video/explanation. Do you think a 2013 Suzuki 115 would be the similar set up?

[@BornAgainBoating]

Basically yes, but the carrier assembly will probably be different and have a spanner nut assembly holding it in. It will definitely be a bigger set up, but functionally it will be the same but also have a shift shaft that spins :)

[@CAPTAINWILLY]

Well done brother. Beautiful job

[@BaconGod.]

Which motor is this? Is it a 9.9-15hp yamaha outboard lower unit? cause if it is im about to repair my 98 15hp that has the lower unit corroded but the interior is all brand new

[@BornAgainBoating]

Yamaha 25HP, should be super similiar

[@BaconGod.]

@BornAgainBoating thanks man

[@adventuresofaboatguy]

Glad you made this video. Going to have to rebuild a 6HP mercury lower unit that I got as a basket case.

[@BornAgainBoating]

For sure! And ouch! Just a thought, maybe look around for a used lower unit, you could probably find one for a couple hundred bucks instead of dumping time and money in rebuilding the one you got ;) These little lowers usually come pretty easily and cheaper compared to repairing one :)

[@adventuresofaboatguy]

@@BornAgainBoating if you run across one, let me know.

[@jacobuscoetzee3261]

Pls can u show us how the water flows into the mid section and into the engine and out . Pls

[@coztod]

Great video, detailed and concise! The offset stamping on the lower housing is something I wasn’t aware of. Helpful, but seems like a work around for the manufacturer to be able to source lower quality castings. It apparently costs less to measure, emboss measurements and install shimming rather than cast/ machine with closer tolerances. Understandable, especially if the cost savings are passed along to the consumer (insert cynical comment here). I wonder if this is still the methodology in the fancy new motors these days - I’m still running a 1998 Yam 2 smoke 250

[@MrWallaland]

Awesome description! Great job on the channel

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@dinocobanov8369]

best mechanical video explaining everything

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@angelonottes]

But as far as you know, is the driveshaft entirely made of tempered steel or just the ends? Thanks

[@BornAgainBoating]

No idea bro, depends on the lower unit you are talking about, brand, size, etc. I would say that some of the smaller ones are not

[@thomassemich4627]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! You are the man you know your stuff!

[@BornAgainBoating]

I appreciate that!

[@fir3w4lk3r]

shouldn;t you have loosen the pinion nut with the drive shaft bearing in place? Removing it and loosening the nut induces unnecessary strain to the lower needle bearing.

[@BornAgainBoating]

This is true!

[@braydenjones4505]

This must be the most helpful video I've ever watched

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@MrWater4Fun]

Great video. I have a 2005 Suk 250 with a leak around the prop shaft even after replacing the seals. There is a visible bearing carrier crack near the seal. To remove the carrier on a Zuk, is it pretty much the same process as this video? No special removal tools? Thanks much.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Actually, on most larger engines like 250s, they don't come out like this, but I think on the 2005 Suzuki it does have a similar set up with the bolts holding the carrier in. Not 100% but I believe it does come out and you won't need special tools, at least to get the carrier out. So you should be able to replace the carrier without special tools. You might have some work to do on the bearing and race, getting the race out the carrier, unless you replace them, not sure what comes with new carrier.

[@MrWater4Fun]

@@BornAgainBoating Got you, thank you for taking the time! Keep up the great content. Cheers.

[@danamace6540]

Thanks Great explanation. My curiosity is repaired

[@BornAgainBoating]

:)

[@phillipchristensen3202]

Great content! How about a video on what tools should be carried on a boat while on the water? I run a Hewes 18 so weight is important, but so is getting back to the hill. I don't have to carry as much as some, because I'm generally not more than a few miles from some form of safety. So my box isn't going to be as loaded as someone running 50 miles, who can also handle more weight. So what basic tools for common issues and what are some good combo or multipurpose tools that can accomplish multiple tasks? We all know everything is a hammer so I can do without that!

[@BornAgainBoating]

Great question, like you said it'll depend on how you use your boat, but just the Leatherman Super tool 300, that thing will do pretty much everything you need, that and some zip ties and a water bottle :)

[@ryansingh950]

Wow this video is exactly what I was looking for

[@ZhangLaboratory]

That is an amazing explanation! I am so excited to find this great video!!!

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@OkkarAung-pm3oc]

My Hedea 30hp speed boat has trouble.We can start the engine and it is work.But we put the gear to forward or backward, it stopped. It has 2 spark plug. When I unplugged the under spark plug, it is wet with some water and it compress with patrol and water.Is it a problem of engine stopping when I put the gear. Pls reply me .

[@Ploydmark]

Thanks a lot! U make the world a better place for me!

[@glennbuscher8003]

Great stuff. Thank you for sharing.

[@tripledoregon8513]

great video man I love the explanation. keep up the great content.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you! And we'll be pumping out a ton more this year!

[@dougiefresh2521]

Thanks so much for the explanation. I have a much better undertanding.

[@BornAgainBoating]

You're welcome, thank you for commenting!

[@brandonguynn8794]

Bro. You saved me a crap ton of money! Thank you so much!! I was replacing my prop shaft!

[@BornAgainBoating]

Awesome!

[@JohnB-uf7ft]

Do repair manuals exist to aid someone in replacing these gears?

[@BornAgainBoating]

Yes, you mainly need it for doing the shimming or checking on the shimming :)

[@gmrocwater9922]

Very good analogy ❤

[@mmg5674]

Great demonstration

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@tjapkosmits6947]

So if you nee to let’s say replace a forward gear the shimming with the standard deviation might be worth another video?

[@BornAgainBoating]

Sounds like you are asking for a friend? lol Maybe on the video though, of actually doing it :)

[@kyleh5691]

Great explanation. Really enjoyed it. Even my dumb ass feels like I could disassemble and reassemble now.

[@trueoutdoorsman]

Think my head just exploded 😂

[@BornAgainBoating]

Lol

[@rockynymia]

What size motor is this I might be taking this on soon for a 60hp tohatsu

[@BornAgainBoating]

They are similar, but this was from a 25, so a 60 will be similar but bigger :)

[@vproduction]

this is 1000 times better than animated video

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@SPRAYPAVE]

Great clip, but doesn't explain why my Honda 90 wont always engage in reverse? Sometimes it does engage, other times it grinds and won't engage. Clutch dog is in good condition with no rounded edges.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Most likely it's not getting all the way pushed into place. Probably not a problem with the gear case, but that something is stopping part of the shifting process, to where it's not getting to the gear case. Like the shift mechanism, the shift cable something like that

[@darrellr1242]

I should've sent you guy's the motors I recently took to the scrap bin for your channel. That looks like the old Evinrude 2 stroke I threw away. That part's are so difficult to find, if you can, and everyone's charging an arm and a leg for them.

[@BornAgainBoating]

We won't turn down free stuff lol :)

[@gregfeldman6818]

Another Great Video! Thanks!

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@petershea9818]

Excellent video. Very informative

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@keitherickson7666]

Before I unscrew all the bolts to my lower unit do I put the engine in forward, reverse, or neutral? I have a 1998 115 horsepower Mercury 2 stroke. Your videos were actually recommended while I was taking a outboard class up here in Massachusetts.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Hi! Rose here, working with Aaron on comments. This topic is fantastic! We're going to feature it on our podcast soon. If you haven't listened yet, Subscribe Now! www.youtube.com/@TheBoatersPodcast

[@keitherickson7666]

Hi Rose, would love to get an answer to my question if that's possible?

[@jacobuscoetzee3261]

Can I fit an electric water pump .? Is that possible. ..?

[@BornAgainBoating]

I've never thought about that, but I don't know why you would need to?

[@jacobuscoetzee3261]

The water flow is very poor when my home maid jack plate is in up potion. I want to fit an electric water pump in my life bait hatch . Then feed the water to my engine . The jack plate works wonderful in shallow water but unfortunately the temp alarm comes on. Also it will be more easy to flush the motor.

[@glennforst1833]

What a simple, well explained video. I learned a lot. Thanks

[@BornAgainBoating]

You're welcome!

[@thedudebryce.453]

Incredible video man. You earned a sub!

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you! :)

[@JB-bb1zw]

Great but you missed a bunch of things, the impeller cup has a locking pin on it preventing rotation, alway check it, even new can be damaged, most hubs dont just pop off, they req a puller, some units require special tools, and most importantly you never never explained what the case does besides house the gears and why you never put those stupid stingray/doelphin tabs on the case! (I see the holes drilled in the anti cavitation plate , so i know this case had one) ,, so the general pop knows,, that part of the case is what holds water around your prop, drilling thru it and using disimler materials to bolt on the stingray cause corrosion and weakens the plate further, further more youre esentially lifting the entire rear end of the boat with that plate, loading the shlt out if it, if that plate breaks from either corrosion or load, wich most of them do over time, depending on the side you break determines which direction you wont hold hold water around the prop, either fwd or reverse, at that point youll be replacing the entire case or trying to weld it back together if youve got all the pieces

[@crdorado1195]

Awesome video, great info! I know it is mundane to you, but you have cleared up so many questions for alot of viewers. Thanks!

[@BornAgainBoating]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karvecutcnc5497]

Just amazing explanation...

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@cmetzenberg]

Can you show the difference between cw and ccw lower units?

[@BornAgainBoating]

On larger cases they use a shift crank, and they just swap the shift crank from one side of the case to the other to change the shifting. Though the bearings and gears are different based on needing stronger parts for the forward gear than the reverse, but that's the basic in a nut shell :)

[@randywunderlich6315]

Outstanding explanation!!!!! Thanks

[@piazza1129]

Very clear , great video Thank you

[@robertdean1344]

Love watching a pro I think my try will. Well I'll just paddle home 😊

[@BornAgainBoating]

Lol :)

[@backforties]

Good video, I have a 9.9 honda and I cannot remove the pinion from the drive shaft. The pinion got stripped so I want to replace it. I asked around for price quotes and there charging me 900$ more than my budget. I have the part but have not had any luck, any tips please.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Not sure what's up with not being able to get it off, what's stuck on it? Also, you can find a used lower for that engine for probably $4-600, why not just replace it and save yourself the time and money?

[@backforties]

I don't see anything holding it, that's what is throwing me off. Am thinking of cutting it to see if I can pull it out and weld it back. If I can't weld back then I will buy a used lower case. Thanx .

[@pateril]

Brilliantly explained, thank you for posting this!

[@rafaelperez9143]

Excellent video. Thanks for your time with all detailed information 👍🏻💪🏻

[@BornAgainBoating]

My pleasure!

[@faronmastin8683]

Very good video awesome job.

[@taiwallace8074]

Thank you

[@TuAmigoenAsiATailandia]

Sencillamente..Impresionante!! Thank you!

[@davidthodorejohnson]

Love the info! Always wanted to know how this, that,these and there works! Lol

[@BornAgainBoating]

For Sure!

[@IbrahimKussa]

Terimakasih untuk penjelasannya, salam sukses slalu ❤❤❤👍👍👍🙏

[@ruckitupkno7728]

My honda 9.9 looks exactly like yours but my pinion is striped and the shaft doesn't come out. Any advise if iam missing anything that I can't get it out!!

[@BornAgainBoating]

Greetings! Rose here, expressing gratitude for your comment! However, I'm unable to address your specific question. Your question has been saved and would be featured in an upcoming episode on our podcast channel. Click the link below to subscribe if you haven't already🙏 www.youtube.com/@TheBoatersPodcast

[@Escobar284]

Very informative video🤞

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@ravikanagasingam9473]

Awesome mate, thank you

[@serifecelik635]

Video is very good. I understand. Thank you.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@CatarineausArmory]

Heck of a deal man.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@carlosirofiala9410]

Thank you for your clear explanation. New subs incoming❤

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thanks for subbing!

[@boatsandoutboards9070]

And what is wrong with filling the gear oil from the top hole? It doesn't go down the plastic sleeve?

[@BornAgainBoating]

You can't fill them from the vent because there's no way for air to get out of the gear case then, so you'll have air pockets in the gear case and it won't actually fill up with gear lube. When you fill from the drain screw with the vent out, the lube fills the case from the bottom up and pushes all of the air out of the gear case so you get it completely full of lube :) Mind you some lower units have different tolerances and they don't want them completely full because it slows the gear case down, but that's a whole different topic and specific models :)

[@boatsandoutboards9070]

@@BornAgainBoating thank you, I understand leaving no air gap is the idea behind it. I used a food syringe to fill my suzuki 6hp gear lube from the top. And it took the same volume of oil 0.2lt written on the user manual. The air came out from the top vent. I'll try to find a pump next time.

[@ukeplaya1]

Excellent video!

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@1972mdc]

Fascinating! Thx

[@OmarErraki]

Bon explication. Merci.

[@leesmith5419]

Excellent video

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@bobfleury]

Great video thanks

[@A5JDZK]

Good stuff.😊

[@BornAgainBoating]

Thank you!

[@WethePeopleMK]

Interesting video!! seal it up!!!

[@colemanhooper1316]

Where can I get backlash tolerance specs for lower units ?

[@BornAgainBoating]

Warm greetings! This is Rose, Thank you for your comment! However, I'm unable to provide the answer you're looking for. We believe these queries are best addressed personally. Hence, we've introduced a channel membership for weekly live discussions. If this interests you, please click the "Join" button next to our channel name. Thank you for your understanding!