68 johnson 20 hp foot seals

[kdodaspq51632nop6g3]

the seals in the foot of my 68 johnson 20 hp motor leak and i've been told to just change the oil before i take it out (every time) to save the money it would cost to fix it. Is this the best option or should i shuck out the money and get it fixed right, even though the repair cost would probably be more than the motor is worth? thanks for any input.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 68 johnson 20 hp foot seals

I suggest fix it right.Running the gearcase in water and oil all the time is not a good idea.Also think about it.If the gearcase has water in it,the lake or pond or whatever has oil in it.Not good for fish,but they may be easier to catch,towards their end.<br />Also,as to the value of your older motor.Price a new one.While it is a LOT better,a $200 lower rebuild seems reasonable.<br />DHP

 

[oregonducker]

Re: 68 johnson 20 hp foot seals

If you have any mechanical ability (it's really quite easy) and especially if you can follow instructions, get a manual and a lower unit (a.k.a. gearcase) seal kit and do it yourself. The kit for my 1972 25 hp Johnson is $25 and you can get them from any Napa Auto Parts dealer. Of course an OMC(Bombardier) dealer can too. An original OMC manual is $40 from http://ww3.kencook.com/evinrudejohnsonmanuals/index.cfm (much less on ebay usually) or you can get an aftermarket manual from the link at the lower left hand corner of this page and at many marine type stores. Do it. It's worth it. It's a normal and expected repair on a motor that old. If you don't do it or have it done, the replacement cost for just the forward and reverse gears is right about $340 not to mention the rest of the stuff in there.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 68 johnson 20 hp foot seals

Remember, it's not how much your engine's worth. It's how much a replacement for it will cost.