115 Johnson FS water in engine oil

[dmil]

I have a 2004 115 Johnson four stroke with water in the engine oil. When I went to change oil this week I find that I am over the full mark on the oil dipstick and the oil is milky. I would guess there is over a pint of water in the oil. I check the oil about every 25 gallons of gas that I use so I know it hasn't done this on a regular basis. This motor is still under warrantee, but was just wondering if anyone else has had this problem? I really like this motor as it has performed flawlessly all the time, even with water in the oil. Thanks for any replies.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 115 Johnson FS water in engine oil

You are not alone. If you do a search you'll find that a large number of four-stroke owners have similar problems. If you engine makes lots of short trips it very likely never gets thoroughly warmed up to the point where condensation is purged from the crankcase. Unlike cars that operate at much higher temperatures, four-stroke outboards run fairly cool so condensation can be a problem. Frequent oil changes and making sure the engine gets run at or near wide open throttle for a good long stretch periodically should keep moisture in check. All of this of course is under the assumption that the engine has no mechanical problems like a leaky head gasket.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 115 Johnson FS water in engine oil

I would take it to the dealer for a check. If it is the head gasket you could do some internal damage.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 115 Johnson FS water in engine oil

Do an oil change and then take a test run for a few miles. Next day, check the oil. If it has water in it again there is very likely a leak. Headgasket is one source and a compression check would typically show that.

 

[dmil]

Re: 115 Johnson FS water in engine oil

It has been awhile since I've got an answer to this delemma. I took it to a dealer and they said it was normal condensation. The way I operate my boat I thought it would be odd but said I would change oil and go out for a 1 hour run and see what happens. So this Sat. I change oil and went out for exactly 1 hour of continuous operation. I warmed the engine up for the first 10 minutes and from that point I worked the engine at a variety of speeds. When I got home I dropped the oil and I have another milk shake of use oil in bottles to show the dealer. Thanks for the replies and I will fill you in as to the rest of the story. Thanks!!!

 

[alden135]

Re: 115 Johnson FS water in engine oil

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=000032

 

[Scaaty]

Re: 115 Johnson FS water in engine oil

If you dumped the oil, and it went milky again, it probably a head gasket. If fresh water in the oil, not too much trouble, but saltwater, I would have concerns.

 

[dmil]

Re: 115 Johnson FS water in engine oil

It has been a while since I've responded to this post, but I said I will fill you in on the rest of the story. So far the dealer has not done anything to my motor. I did talk to them and they said they talked to a rep. and they told the tech that there have been rare cases when water is getting in by way of a gasket. There are a few gaskets that this could happen at and the one main one they are concerned about is the oil pan gasket. One note I did not share with you on this and that is I was going to adjust my valves on the day I first noticed water in my oil and to my surprise I seen not only milky oil but also rusty cam shafts. If they (the manufacture) decides to fix the motor, do I demand replacing rusty internal parts? Thanks for all your replies. It is good to hear from owners like yourselves. Thanks Alot!!!

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 115 Johnson FS water in engine oil

At this point I would smile and ask the dealer to have a factory rep look at the engine.Demanding usually leads to head butting (not that you don't have a right to.)<br />I'm surprised your dealer didn't do this all ready.<br />As to rusty parts,if it's surface rust,no problem once the water is gone.But if BRP does a warranty repair,it is on their records if future problems arise.<br /><br />DHP