Water dripping from shift lever - 1967 Johnson 6HP

[MattFL]

Is it possible for a bad seal on top of the water pump tube to cause water to drip off of the shift lever?

My 1967 Johnson 6HP is dripping water from the shift lever when I'm running it in a trash can. It's idling, seems to be pumping water fine at idle, and water is steadily dripping from the shift lever. Not pouring, just about one or two drips per second. I don't see water anywhere inside the motor pan when I remove the cover, so it must be coming from under the powerhead. I took the lower unit off and the metal tube that connects the water pump to the powerhead seemed to be a little loose (I could wiggle it easily). Is it possible that a bad seal of some kind at the top of this tube is causing it to spray water around inside the leg and some of that water is just dripping out on the shift lever? Is it possible to remove this tube and replace the seal up top without having to remove the power head? This motor had some salt use and I really don't want to have to remove the powerhead.

 

[nwcove]

Re: Water dripping from shift lever - 1967 Johnson 6HP

its nothing to worry about matt. but you can replace to shift lever o ring, and it should cure the drip, but you may need to remove the powerhead to do it. omc part number 303191. ( double check that number.....its for an older 5.5 )

 

[MattFL]

Re: Water dripping from shift lever - 1967 Johnson 6HP

Thanks for the reply. Could the dripping be a sign of a more serious problem, like a leaking seal in the cooling system that shouldn't be leaking? I ask because I've had problems with this motor not pumping water when you get much over 1/2 throttle and I'm wondering if these two issues might be related.

 

[nwcove]

Re: Water dripping from shift lever - 1967 Johnson 6HP

im admittedly not very familiar with a motor that "new", but a leak at the shift lever is usually due to the shift lever oring and should have nothing to do with a leak before the cooling water gets to the powerhead....its the water being expelled that causes the drip. does it have a grease nipple on the shift lever?

 

[MattFL]

Re: Water dripping from shift lever - 1967 Johnson 6HP

Ah water from the exhaust, OK that makes sense, I had forgotten the exhaust blows right by that area. There is no grease fitting on the shift lever for this motor. Knowing that it's likely from the exhaust is great, thank you very much!

 

[boobie]

Re: Water dripping from shift lever - 1967 Johnson 6HP

Bite the bullet and replace it. Or just let it drip as it won't hurt anything.