1972 johnson 50 hp lower unit oil "coffee" looking

[bluebrownie]

ok...newbie here... drained the lower unit lube and it was brown/coffee looking.... is this a huge problem or what? is it likely fixable, common, problematic...what...tx for your comments.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1972 johnson 50 hp lower unit oil "coffee" looking

Did it smell burnt? Coffee brown just sounds old. Milky white is bad as it means water intrusion.If it was coffee brown and no metal pieces in it I would just change it and run it... Then check it again soon after to make sure all is well.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 1972 johnson 50 hp lower unit oil "coffee" looking

Depends on the coffee you drink !!!!!
Black coffee = probably o.k. to drain and change.
Milky coffee = water leaking.
Could be as simple as new seals needed in the plugs though.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1972 johnson 50 hp lower unit oil "coffee" looking

He said brown/coffee looking, not white/coffee looking!

 

[das fisch]

Re: 1972 johnson 50 hp lower unit oil "coffee" looking

did mine as well last night, had "coffee" coming out also, and a bit of burnt odor.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1972 johnson 50 hp lower unit oil "coffee" looking

light chocolate milkshake is bad. dark brown is good it has a distinct smell.

 

[das fisch]

Re: 1972 johnson 50 hp lower unit oil "coffee" looking

definitely a distinct smell! good is good with me.
anyone know of a good outboard mechanic in southern Maine/New Hampshire