[This followup was posted to rec.boats and a copy was sent to the cited
author.]

In article .com,
says...
Sorry, I meant that I've only used it in a garbage can so far.
[quoted text muted]
Mike G.
Heirloom Woods

www.heirloom-woods.net





Assuming you mean whether or not water is getting into the lower unit if
you've only run the unit in a trash can of water. You're right, it isn't
exactly a definitive test but if the engine had only sat for a season
I'd say your probably ok but three years?

Gaskets dry out, sealers get brittle, metal shrinks and expands. If you
got no water in the lower unit in the trash can you may be alright but
that could prove to be an expensive may be.

Then of course there is the water pump impeller sitting down there, when
did that get changed last?

Personally, after having the boat sitting unused for that length of time
I'd take the safe route, bite the bullet, drop the lower unit and
replace the water pump and seal everything up anew. It's cheap
insurance.

Choice two, launch it and baby it around for ten or fifteen hours. If it
doesn't overheat on you and you show no signs of water in the lower end
oil put off the job till next season.

Sometimes, without proper preparation, it's tougher on an engine to sit
idle for years then it is for it to be run during the same period.

Best of luck what ever route you chose.

--
Mike G.
Heirloom Woods

www.heirloom-woods.net