1992 60HP Johnson - Lower Unit Question

[jaredsandy]

Last year I noticed a little bit of water coming out of the front part of the lower unit when I'd tilt the motor all the way up. It was coming out of a little notch that looked to be a factory notch like something you'd use to pry the lower unit gasket apart. But then later I noticed a really small stream of water shooting out by the gasket where the lower unit bolts on to the main body. Is this normal? It did'nt seem to be. And is it possible to have water in the lower unit actually build pressure and shoot out. Just thought I'd ask before I dig into it this year. I've never had a lower unit off of a motor. Is it pretty easy?<br />Thanks for any input.<br />jaredsandy

 

[snuffyzz]

Re: 1992 60HP Johnson - Lower Unit Question

check your lower unit oil, if it is not watered<br />down your all right, the problem is usually<br />the upper gasket on the water pump, not put together properly and clean when we take our motors back for the brake in period, yeah thats<br />right the kids at the dealerships aint always<br />mechanics, but at least there trying. <br />i suggest taking it to a mechanic and inspecting<br />the lower unit, especially if your in salt water.

 

[jegervais]

Re: 1992 60HP Johnson - Lower Unit Question

It is normal for some water to flow out of the areas you mentioned, especially if you're running it on a flushing device with the garden hose. BTW, there is no gasket between the lower unit and the mid-section (if thats what you meant by "gasket where the lower unit bolts on to the main body"). Those water pumps only deliver a few psi pressure at idle and if you've got the hose "cranked open", it'll really blow the water out. <br /><br />The lower unit removal isn't too tricky, its getting the shift rod pin re-installed that takes some doing. I would suggest replacing the water pump if it hasn't been replaced in the last couple of years, or if you're not sure of the maintenance history.<br /><br />-John<br /><br />Oh, another thought here - There are a couple of service bulletins out on that engine, one has to do with a cooling system modification to relocate the water tell-tail outlet to the top of the block. And a second regarding carb re-jetting and a change to the max spark advance. If you haven't had those done, they should be. Also the water pump kit (OMC p/n 432955) has some extra parts for an additional modification to the thermostat housing and spring.