As suggested I'm starting my own thread.
Recently purchased 2004 Johnson 90hp 4 stroke J90PX4SR . On her maiden voyage I heard a clunk then some clanking from the lower unit. Limped home, couldn't get past idle or it made a slipping screechy noise. Trailered it and played with the throttle. Sounded fine then. At low rpm that is. If I eased into the throttle it ran great, until 3000. then it shrieked and tried to die. If I backed out of the gas it wouldn't die and I could throttle back up. Changed the prop. Same result. Drained the lower unit and it was silvery in color with some moderate flaking. Heard it may be the dog but I'm no outboard guy. Guess I will be now. What should I expect when I open the gearcase?
Recently purchased 2004 Johnson 90hp 4 stroke J90PX4SR . On her maiden voyage I heard a clunk then some clanking from the lower unit. Limped home, couldn't get past idle or it made a slipping screechy noise. Trailered it and played with the throttle. Sounded fine then. At low rpm that is. If I eased into the throttle it ran great, until 3000. then it shrieked and tried to die. If I backed out of the gas it wouldn't die and I could throttle back up. Changed the prop. Same result. Drained the lower unit and it was silvery in color with some moderate flaking. Heard it may be the dog but I'm no outboard guy. Guess I will be now. What should I expect when I open the gearcase?
Seriously the "silvery" oil is minute bits of steel. Something is ground up. Do it right, replace all bearings and the gear set. Carefully check the inside for any problems like bearing areas that may not hold or have damage. Look for any small holes from bits thrown against the inside of the unit.