Outboard gear lubrication

Question
QUESTION: Hi Ron, While replacing the gear lubrication oil in my Yamaha 2 stroke 8 HP outboard, the tip of the gear lube pour spout broke off (just about 1/16") inside the oil drain hole. I couldn't get the piece out - it just went up inside there. Will it hurt any thing to run it with that particle in there? If I have to get it out so as not to damage the gears, will I need to open up the whole lower unit to extract the particle? Or will it just get ground up and cause no harm?

ANSWER: Hi Hank...thanks for selecting the undersigned to respond to your question.

I'm not a mechanic but, my primary concern is damage to the impeller, which is made of rubber, and could become damaged by such an extremely small piece of plastic. Keep in mind, plastic melts under certain conditions, which could create more problems. In your case, why not just drain the oil through a strainer to ensure you know you've found the broken piece of plastic?

Safe Boating
Ron

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Ron. Actually, I have drained all the oil out but the small tip of the oil spout is still inside there somewhere. In trying to pick it out, I pushed it in further and now it is not even visible through the tiny drain hole.

Answer
Hank

I anticipate you drained the old oil by removing the bottom screw underneath the lower gear housing hub, and introduced the new oil from the top opening. If you drain the oil, there's a chance the plastic tip might escape out. I'd check with a local marine mechanic and obtain his opinion as to what damage could be caused if the object isn't removed.

Ron