lower unit oil color

[tony69starcraft]

i just bought a 1980 15hp johnson. the previous owner told me the lower unit oil hadn’t been changed in several years because it hasn’t been used much in the last 3 years and to change it asap.

i drained the oil out of the lower unit and it was silver in color. it wasn’t milky like there was water in it, i’ve seen milky water oil before. picture silver spray paint. there were some fine metal filings in it, not large enough to feel between your fingers, the oil just looked sparkly.

i took it out today and probably put about 1/2 hour on it. it shifted as it should, no funny noises while running.

your thoughts?

i don’t want to cook my lower unit if i can help it.

thanks in advance,
tony

 

[racerone]

With shiny bits in the oil I would be taking it apart for a look see.-------It may already be COOKED / and well done so to speak.-----Not hard to work on those at all.

 

[Aaron Huyser]

Did your oil look like the attached photo? if so don't worry to much I would imagine you lower end it just fine but that it definitely has a seal leak somewhere.As long as you don't have to much wear or chipped gears she will keep chugging along honestly it takes a ton of abuse to ruin a lower end in my personal opinion If I were you I would spend a few bucks and a day to reseal it properly If you need help finding the part #'s etc let me know I can help. for starters here is a link to an online manual to get you started on taking it apart etc.

http://boatinfo.no/lib/evinrude/manuals/1971-1989johnsonevinrude.html

 

[boobie]

Edit...

 

[tony69starcraft]

Edit...

huh?

 

[racerone]

Some will argue.----Best to take it apart now.-----If it never had new seals installed now is the time.----Needs a new impeller too.

 

[tony69starcraft]

i refilled it, i think i’m gonna take it out a few times and change it again and see what it looks like

 

[racerone]

Or just run it till it goes " boom " if it ever will-------Lots of those motors were made.-----Lower unit from 74 to 2005 will fit.----Dime a dozen in some areas.