Gear oil leaking maybe from bearing housing

[84 115johnson newbe]

I have a 85 Johnson 115 that seems to be leaking gear oil from under the seal on the prop shaft itself. I removed the prop, and the seal on the shaft looks to be much dryer than the bottom of the housing. I haven't ran the engine on the water yet due to my "distrust of the facts" from the seller. It has been taken apart in the past, and I can tell that the assembly has been taken apart from the excessive amount of sealant and markings around the lower gear casing. There was only about 8 oz of oil in it, and about the same of water. Any thoughts?

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: Gear oil leaking maybe from bearing housing

If there's water in there, it's got to come apart and the seals replaced. If you have never taken one apart, I would strongly urge you to get the Service manual for the '85 115hp. It will be a valuable tool and worth the money. There are members on this Forum that can walk you through the steps and photos will help but it might take a bit of time. Above all, don't let it intimidate you.

 

[84 115johnson newbe]

Re: Gear oil leaking maybe from bearing housing

I work in maintence and am not intimidated by much.. I plan on getting a seal kit to start with. Thanks.

 

[84 115johnson newbe]

Re: Gear oil leaking maybe from bearing housing

:laugh:

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: Gear oil leaking maybe from bearing housing

I would pressure test that puppy first. First, drain the remaining oil. Pump in about 7-10 lbs of air (into the lower unit through the filler screw hole) and spray the prop shaft seal with soapy water. If its leaking air, it will bubble. You will have two prop shaft seals (back to back)

I made a simple pressure pump from a regular bicycle tire pump and one of those lower unit fittings (made for filling lower units) Rig it all together with clear plastic tubing. Hey, its not professional, but it worked fine for my purposes.

 

[84 115johnson newbe]

Re: Gear oil leaking maybe from bearing housing

I did just that TD_Maker. I noticed that the bubbles were on the outside of the "4" bolt area inside the prop housing. Is there a crack in there , or HOPEFULLY just a seal leaking. I'm sure that's where the oil is coming from. I modified a radiator test pump which has a gauge. couldn't get but about 4 lbs before it started leaking. Its leaking OUTSIDE of the pattern an not from the bolt holes. (Any thoughts)

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: Gear oil leaking maybe from bearing housing

Sounds like you have a bad bearing carrier. Go to Youtube and search for: "Johnson Outboard bearing Carrier" and there are a few decent videos on how tackle this project. I would really suggest purchasing a factory service manual if you can find one.

 

[84 115johnson newbe]

Re: Gear oil leaking maybe from bearing housing

Will do... "Thanks"....