lower unit leak 1997 Johnson Ocean Runner 150

[swade28]

thanks to you folks my previous post about slipping/cavitating seems to have been solved. However, in the process i changed the lower unit lube and noticed it to appear milky or at least the color of mustard. I dont think there is a lot of water getting in and not real sure where to look? I am going to replace the fill/vent washers first and recheck fluid. I have also heard some talk about pressure testing the lower unit. How would i go about doing this to see if a seal is leaking? Also if i were to just run the lower with muffs or the built in flush port would this allow water in the l/u if it is in fact leaking from a seal? Thanks, scotty

 

[ob]

Re: lower unit leak 1997 Johnson Ocean Runner 150

Running on muffs would allow leakage through a faulty seal below the waterpump(driveshaft) or shift rod seal that is within the lower unit cavity.What was the solution to your slippage issue?

 

[swade28]

Re: lower unit leak 1997 Johnson Ocean Runner 150

It was the inline fuel filter either the glass was cracked allowing air to get in or it just was not sealing correctly. I just took it off I already have the separator so dont think i really needed it anyways. How hard is it to replace the seals? How long should it take me I have no clue how to do it but with a book I am confident in my abilities.

 

[ob]

Re: lower unit leak 1997 Johnson Ocean Runner 150

Replacement of the fill and vent screw washers is a good idea.Cheap too.I would pressure and or vaccumm test the lower unit before tearing into it for seal replacement.It'll save some maybe unneeded work.However if the lower unit fails a pressure or vacuum test and the internal seals are culprit ,might as well do a waterpump replacement while you're in there.Not too difficult at all for a willing person of basic mechanical skills.<br /><br />Some time ago it was suggested that a guy could just use a common bicycle pump and a tapered or threaded fitting to perform a pressure test with the lower unit submerged in a container of water up to the anti-ventilation plate.If I remember correctly,it should hold around 8-10 psi and you may be able to detect bubbles in the area of a leak while it's submerged.I also remember something about not exceeding around 10 psi with the pump,so you'll need one with a guage.Might be easier for some to just take it to a reputable dealer for the test and opt to perform your own work.Of course it may just be the fill/vent screw seals that are leaking.<br /><br />Leak possibilities are propshaft seals,bearing carrier "o" rings,fill/vent screw seals,shift rod "o"ring/s,shift rod bushing housing gasket,and driveshaft seal.

 

[swade28]

Re: lower unit leak 1997 Johnson Ocean Runner 150

Ok. I will get the washers today and hopefully get out to run it this weekend and change the lube and see what we look like. Then go from there. Thanks