I discovered gear case fluid leaking out of the top of my lower unit before my last fishing trip. I emptied and refilled the lower unit and found small metal shavings in the fluid. I believe the seal has gone out on the top, and am concerned with running my boat in the tournament I have coming up next week. Do y'all think it would be ok run the boat through a few more days or practice and tournament day? Would I be creating a bigger problem for myself by not taking it to a mechanic before I run the motor anymore.

96 Ranger 392xt
1996 Mercury Outboard 200 HP
Original Lower Unit

I would get the lower unit serviced (including new seals and impeller) if I had any concerns about it. A new lower unit would be big bucks. Outboard Rebuilders in Tool, TX serviced mine recently.

if you found metal shavings, that is not a good sign. Get it in right away, why risk it?

Only way to take care of it that quick is to replace it. Could be the top bearing in the lower going out causing the seal to leak. It is normal to see a small amount of metal on the magnet of the drain plug but not normal to see metal in the lower oil.