1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

[doityourselfer]

I have a 1985 60 HP Johnson and the lower unit vent hole is leaking. I tried to find anything on troubleshooting but had no luck. It is definitely lower unit gear oil, Any idea what is causing it? Is that a shaft drain seal?

 

[sutor623]

Re: 1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

That's odd, I don't believe that there are any lower unit "vent holes" under the surface of the water. I have to check my L/U and see if I notice that little hole. You sure that's not a water drain port for when the motor is out of the water? How long have you had this motor?

 

[boobie]

Re: 1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

Normally unburned fuel and oil will come out of that hole. But to give you piece of mind have the gear case pressure and vacuumed checked.

 

[sutor623]

Re: 1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

Normally unburned fuel and oil will come out of that hole. But to give you piece of mind have the gear case pressure and vacuumed checked.

Makes sense. I knew it wasnt lower unit oil.....

 

[doityourselfer]

Re: 1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

It is definitely lower unit gear oil...for sure. it's been weeping like that for about a week. Could it be an allen head scew in that hole..a set scew for gears, etc.?

 

[sutor623]

Re: 1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

Hmmm, I dont know about that. Boobie is a retired OMC mechanic, Im sure he is spot on. The only screw that I know of is the one just beside the water input. Do NOT remove it!!! I have never noticed that little hole you speak of. I have a 75hp '84, same gearcase casting. Ill check it when I get home.

 

[sutor623]

Re: 1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

Looked around and found some pictures. I do have that tiny hole in my gearcase as well. I am sure there is no screw in mine either, and have noticed sludge coming from the hole. I think you are in the clear.

 

[doityourselfer]

Re: 1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

Sutor, I think you are right, nice looking motor by the way. I missed part of your thead earler, I've had the motor since 1986, brand new. I did have it started recently with the muffs, I blew out the inlet screen area, I got some water and a little more oily junk? I will just keep an eye on it and check the level of the gear oil. I appreciate it guys

 

[sutor623]

Re: 1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

Wow! You've had that motor since day one! Awesome! And thanks, yea shes a looker. I'd rather than have my old '84 then a new 4 stroke anyday!

 

[doityourselfer]

Re: 1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

I do have a problem, I took out the drain screw on lower unit and a lot of water came out at first. I remember changing it at beginning of season last year....but I didn't drain it. I checked the shaft for any fishing line or anything else and it was clean. I'm not sure what to look for next? replace the seals?

 

[sutor623]

Re: 1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

No. Get a vacuum tester and pump her up into te unit, then spray soapy water on all o the seals to find your bubbly leak.

 

[doityourselfer]

Re: 1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

I will track one down, will let you know what I find, thanks sutor

 

[sutor623]

Re: 1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

No prob. I think 10psi is where you want to bring the pump to.

 

[doityourselfer]

Re: 1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

I'm gonna bring it in and have it checked...I'm hoping that the water didn't freeze and expand in the gear case...that's what it seems to maybe be now..hopefuly not

 

[doityourselfer]

Re: 1985 60HP Johnson lower unit vent hole leaking

I had the lower unit checked and there were no leaks noted, the gage stayed right at 10 psi. I guess when I failed to drain it last fall all of the condensation built up and made it appear worse than it was, there was a lot of water. I'm gonna fill her back up with some new grease and hit the water, Thanks so much Sutor for all your help, you to Boobie