Lower unit seals?

tmt

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
49
If an unbalanced prop is ran will it blow the seals?
 

Bclark75

Cadet
Joined
Apr 24, 2010
Messages
9
Re: Lower unit seals?

It will but it would have to wear the bearings first. If you suspect the seals are leaking the bearings will need to be changed as well
 

tmt

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
49
Re: Lower unit seals?

I am getting water in the lower unit oil. I changed the oil 2 weeks ago and running a used prop. Pulled off the prop and the shaft seams tight, spins easy no wiggles. I did not change the washer/seals on the plugs. I change the oil again and tighten the crap out of the filler and vent plug maybe run the boat a little tomorrow.
 

1946Zephyr

Vice Admiral
Joined
Oct 21, 2008
Messages
5,556
Re: Lower unit seals?

You'll need to change the washers on the plugs. Water often times will get in through there. I wouldn't tighten them too much, because there are only a few threads there and stripping them out would be a real problem. Shift rod seals often times let water in too as well as upper gearcase seals.

What kind of motor is this you're working with?
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,931
Re: Lower unit seals?

Yes and if ran long enough it can wear out the carb adjustment needle..:D
 

tmt

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
49
Re: Lower unit seals?

Its a Johnson 115 SPL, 1997
 

wilde1j

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: Lower unit seals?

If the LU is leaking water in, there are three seals (drive shaft, prop shaft and shift rod plus fill/vent screw gaskets). You need to pressure/vacuum test to find source of leak. General procedure: 1) Drain gear oil 2) Pressurize or apply vacuum (15 psig max) 3) Good LU will retain some pressure/vacuum for 45 minutes 4) Submerge LU in water to find leak source.
 

1946Zephyr

Vice Admiral
Joined
Oct 21, 2008
Messages
5,556
Re: Lower unit seals?

A motor this new, should be in fine shape. If you just replace the washers on your plugs, you should be in good shape. Change them out and see what you get after the first time out.:cool:
 
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