55hp Johnson Leaks at foot

[stsmith]

Dealer said he just filled it up with gear oil, after sitting a few days I notice oil seepping out where the foot mounts to the (whatever its called) any suggestions?

 

[ob]

Re: 55hp Johnson Leaks at foot

Sure that it's gear oil you're seeing there?The horizontal joint is well above the fill level.Maybe just two stroke oil accumulation oozing from the exhaust cavity.If you're sure it's fresh gear oil it will have a distinctive odor,plus it would not only have to be overfilled,you'd also have to have a leaky propshaft seal or shift rod seal.

 

[stsmith]

Re: 55hp Johnson Leaks at foot

Can't swear to what kind of oil but it does not smell like any kind of fuel/gas. I wasn't sure where the gear box stopped. Drive shaft seal or shift shaft seal? It is a '78 those will be fun to get apart. Thanks for the input!<br />Smitty

 

[ob]

Re: 55hp Johnson Leaks at foot

Is it black oil like its got carbon residue or clearish amber as freshly changed gear lube would appear? <br /><br />Two stroke oil residue accumulation is commonplace ,particularly if the inner exhaust leg rubber seals leak a bit.Not really a big worry if its just the two stroke oil accumulation.Just want to be sure I'm advising you correctly so we can identify what the oil your seeing is.My problem is that I can't see ,touch ,or smell it from where I'm at.

 

[stsmith]

Re: 55hp Johnson Leaks at foot

It seemed to be more of a dirty black oil. I cleaned it off and disconected the fuel line from the tank. It has been about 12 hours and I haven't notice any more of the leak. <br />Thanks for the input.<br />Smitty

 

[ob]

Re: 55hp Johnson Leaks at foot

Smitty,Next time you service the waterpump on your engine ,replace the inner exhaust housing seals while the lower unit is dropped.That along with a decarbonization of the engine will cut down on the residue you're seeing.There's some good info in the FAQ section on engine decarb.

 

[stsmith]

Re: 55hp Johnson Leaks at foot

You were right the total section of FAQ is a good read. Learned a lot. Are you familar with the OMC control box? If so, it has a place for a tach to plug into. (3 prong) Is this a true ignition type tach or is this for the alternator pulse type tach? <br /><br />Thanks for the great info!<br />Smitty