Neptune Mighty Mite Lower Unit

[Buster]

I’m currently restoring a 1941 Neptune Mighty Mite, Model 11A1.  I doubt this motor has run in 40 years.  It’s actually nice and free and seems to have good compression.  I measured at 40 psi.  I removed the lower unit inspection plug.  It has grease and it’s gray in color.  I have no idea what kind of grease is installed, currently.  The gears feel like they have good engagement and little backlash.  Should I:

1.  Leave the lower unit as it is
2. Add new cornhead grease on top of existing grease
3. Remove the prop and cover plate, clean and flush the gear set, air dry and fill with new grease.

Part of me says “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.  But if I take option 3, I’d need a new gasket for the cover plate.

Any thoughts from those who have worked with these non-shifting, grease-filled lower units?

[joecb]

The fact that the grease is gray in color leads me to believe that there has been some water intrusion. It is not a big job to open the gear case on that motor… I would go with your option #3.  Corn head grease is good.

Joe B

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