if lower unit oil is in where the shift cable is. your back cover seal is probably the culprit. 3 bolts to remove it to check. To remove it it is a 3/8 12 point socket. Make sure you drain the lower oil first.
I see the bolts you're talking about ..........2 questions,where would I get a 12 pt. 3/8 ? And is this a project a novice should attempt ??........ok ,1 more,are there any gaskets or seals behind that plate I could possibly damage if I were to attempt it myself ??? I really appreciate your help !! Thanx
that socket you can get at a pepboys or even a homedepot. a 3/8 socket is either a 6 or a 12 point socket. 6 point has 6 sides and a 12 point has 12 points. you will see the difference when you look at them. Behind the cover is one seal that is made out of a rubber o-ring material. First drain the oil out of the outdrive then remove the 3 screws. while removing cover there will be a spring and a ball that is in a small sleeve that will be in the cover. That is for the shift detent. Just make sure that goes back in the cover when you reinstall. When you have the cover off you can lay some sandpaper on a flat surface and sand down the cover where it seals against the outdrive to make it true. When you put a new seal on it take some perfect seal and coat the o-ring surface before installation.