another water in lower unit question

[jbkk]

The gear oil in my lower unit (1993 88 spl Johnson) has been changed and its still getting milky. I have done the drain and fill seals and don't see any evidence of bad prop shaft seals. ALOT of hot water comes out of every orifice when run with the muffs on and I am wondering if it could be coming through at the shift rod grommet/seal if the exhaust seals are misaligned and filling up the lower unit with hot exhaust water instead of getting out at the prop. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas before I drop the unit again and check where the water is intruding - are there any other places I need to check? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[OBJ]

Re: another water in lower unit question

jb...the best way to locate a leaky seal is to drop the lower unit, drain the lube, pump it up to 10 or 15psi air and drop the whole thing into a garbage can full of water. You'll find the leak.

 

[ob]

Re: another water in lower unit question

jbkk,The rubber grommet that is visible from the outside of the lower unit around the shift rod is just a debris sheild.The shift rod cap has a gasket and an 'o' ring for a seal.There is also a driveshaft seal under the waterpump assy.<br /><br />Sometimes a propshaft seal will leak water in and you will see no indication of oil leaking out.It is for this reason that a pressure test as well a avacuum test is widely used to determine lower unit leak sources.If the waterpump hasn't been changed in a while on your engine ,it would be a good opportunity to replace it and any possible lower unit seals that would cause water intrusion.<br />the inner exhaust housing rubber seals are also easy and inexpensive to replace while lower unit is dropped.

 

[jbkk]

Re: another water in lower unit question

Thanks for the suggestions. OB, I am also in Corpus - if things go south with this motor do you have any recommendations on good, reputable shops in our area?

 

[ob]

Re: another water in lower unit question

jbkk,hard for me to give you a recommendation on a specific shop as I do all of my own maintenance.If I had to choose one for outboard service in your case I would probably go with Gunderland.They treated by brother-in-law pretty fair on his 6 carburetor rebuilds for his 99'200hp.

 

[jbkk]

Re: another water in lower unit question

ob, thanks for the info. I much prefer to do my own work also and have learned alot lately about this motor and enjoyed that to a point. However, I really like getting on the water to fish and the wife gets after me if I am in the garage too much so I have to pick my battles. thanks again.

 

[ob]

Re: another water in lower unit question

I understand.Hope all goes well with the lower unit leak fix.Hope we offered you some useful help.Drop back in and give us an update.I'm going to try for a fishing trip this weekend if the weather permits.Tight lines.

 

[jbkk]

Re: another water in lower unit question

ob, this is some awesome weather and we live in a spectacular place - hope you get after the fish . I am heading to Fish Pass Friday in the am on the way to work in Port A. If you ever want to see some big reds and ling in tanks out there give me a shout at the UT Mariculture Lab, 749-6795 , ask for Jeff Kaiser . adios.

 

[snellnate@comcast.net]

Re: another water in lower unit question

do you know why a telltale wont pee when running only when off

 

[snellnate@comcast.net]

Re: another water in lower unit question

 

[ob]

Re: another water in lower unit question

jbkk,Thanks for the offer.Wife and I may take you up on that.I use to work for CPL and visited the marine facility at BMD power station many times.They had some ling and schnook in some of the holding ponds in the rear of the facility that were quite a sight.Also several large redfish in the season controlled interior tanks.Years back , we used to fish in the cooling pond and catch many large reds with live shrimp strained with a handheld net from the intake screen backwash lines.<br />We often launch the boat at the fish pass channel on the bay side ,as the east flats and stingray hole is one of our favorite fishing spots.Again,thank you very much for the tour offer as I would like very much for my wife to see the interesting research that is performed at your facility first hand.I will call ample time in advance and allow you to schedule our visit at your convenience.Happy motoring.