So I just acquired a 1983 Johnson Seahorse 7.5 ...

[Gene Neill]

I bought a 22' Catalina sailboat that came with this motor, which I knew nothing about, except that it ran but was 30 years old. I planned to replace it ASAP. But then I started it up (which was EASY) and started reading about it, including a lot of threads here, and I have to say I think I'm falling in love this motor!!

I drained the lower unit today and it looked like a milkshake coming out. BOTH drain plugs had no O-rings on them, which might have something to do with it. I refilled the unit with marine 80-90, and put new O-rings on the plugs.

Anyway, to my question ... if the fluid turns milky again, what's next? I bought a new impeller, and was planning to install it very soon, and I have a Seloc manual on the way to show me how. Is there a lower unit seal "kit" I should install while I'm at it?

What else is there that I should consider doing right off the bat? Like I said, I love this motor and I want to give it some love. Thanks!

 

[nwcove]

Re: So I just acquired a 1983 Johnson Seahorse 7.5 ...

welcome to the forum gene! nice motor you have. from my experience with that style lu, if its not the fill/drain plugs leaking, i would start with the prop shaft seal or gearcase oring. its an easy job, but make sure to remove the gear case head gently!!!

 

[Gene Neill]

Re: So I just acquired a 1983 Johnson Seahorse 7.5 ...

welcome to the forum gene! nice motor you have. from my experience with that style lu, if its not the fill/drain plugs leaking, i would start with the prop shaft seal or gearcase oring. its an easy job, but make sure to remove the gear case head gently!!!

Thanks!

Prop shaft seal ... is that the one iboats calls a "Driveshaft Oil Seal"? I might as well get those parts ordered. They're cheap, and I'll just replace them so I know it's been done.

 

[geoffwga1]

Re: So I just acquired a 1983 Johnson Seahorse 7.5 ...

Hi Gene.
The prop shaft seal is the one on the rear end of the prop shaft behind the propeller.The drive shaft seal is the one that seals the lower unit and is located in the upper half of the gear case below the water pump.The other important seal is the shift shaft seal,also located in the upper half.for renewing instructions refer to the top secret list at the top of the forum page.Incidentally I would not reccomend the Seloc manual,save your money and get the factory service manual from "Outboardbooks.com.
Geoffwga1

 

[boobie]

Re: So I just acquired a 1983 Johnson Seahorse 7.5 ...

Get the OEM factory service manual, Seloc and Clymer both Suck !!

 

[Gene Neill]

Re: So I just acquired a 1983 Johnson Seahorse 7.5 ...

Wish you guys woulda told me that three days ago! :lol:

 

[Gene Neill]

Re: So I just acquired a 1983 Johnson Seahorse 7.5 ...

Well dang, it gets worse, the Seloc manual I purchased from iboats is a non returnable item, despite it still being in it's shipping box, unopened. I just emailed iboats, and told they have lost my business. I hope it was worth it for them.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: So I just acquired a 1983 Johnson Seahorse 7.5 ...

Well dang, it gets worse, the Seloc manual I purchased from iboats is a non returnable item, despite it still being in it's shipping box, unopened. I just emailed iboats, and told they have lost my business. I hope it was worth it for them.

If all else fails sell it on ebay.