Johnson Sailmaster 8 lower unit leak question

[tnathan]

Hello all,

I am new to outboards and I bought a used 1985 johnson sailmaster 8hp for my sailboat. I left it laying prop down in my cabin for the week and when I returned I found around 3-4 tbls of oil on the cabin floor. It didn't look like it was coming from one of the gaskets. It looked like it was coming from the water intake anode area.

Is this a problem or normal?

Did I lay the motor down the wrong direction?

How much oil is supposed to be in the lower unit? How do you check?

Sorry for being such an idiot, but I know nothing about outboards yet. Thanks.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Johnson Sailmaster 8 lower unit leak question

Most of the time its just residual exhaust oil.
I would get the manual for that motor and get familiar , you don't need to start wrenching, but it really helps to know what all those funny looking things are under the cowl.

www.outboardbooks.com

And they are probably best stored standing although they still tend to drip oil after a run, leave a rag under it.

 

[Mas]

Re: Johnson Sailmaster 8 lower unit leak question

Get the owners manual at the very least. You need to replace the lower unit lube at least every season. Milkyness is a sign of water intrusion...which is bad.

They're are two large identical screws on the lower unit. They are probably labeled "drain" and the other "vent."

Remove both and drain lube in a suitable container underneath.

The new lube oil is pumped (get the special pump) from the lower drain screw until it overflows out the upper vent.

Make sure you replace both washers on the plugs each time they're removed!

If you get your parts at a dealer/marine shop, I'm sure they would be happy to walk you through the procedure.

And yes, the oil that concerned you is probably unburned 2-stroke oil...but check the LU lube just to be safe!

MAS

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Johnson Sailmaster 8 lower unit leak question

the special pump is great to have if you do a lot of lower units like I do, but you don't need it. The tubes of lower unit lube you buy at the dealer will have a tapered end to them for filling. Cut off the end and you can squeeze the lube in from the bottom until it comes out the top. If I only owned one outboard I would not buy the pump. The pump lets you buy in bulk to get it cheaper.

 

[tnathan]

Re: Johnson Sailmaster 8 lower unit leak question

Thanks all. I didn't want to find out that there was oil getting into something it shouldnt and/or it is leaking to the point where it is dry.