water in lower unit Johnson 120

[jim664]

I have a 1993 Johnson 120. I changed the oil in the lower unit and it is white/milky. I removed the prop and examined the seals on the prop shaft. They seemed dry and did not show any signs of leaking oil out. Could the water be coming in the drain plug(dont know if o rings on plugs ever been changed)? I also read about possible leaking at the impeller shaft or the shift shaft. What would be my best approach to tracking down the problem without pressure testing? Im trying to fix this at the house and avoid shop charges. Thanks in advance!

 

[sutor623]

Re: water in lower unit Johnson 120

Well, without pressure testing we are all just guessing. You could replace the two simple o-ring drain washers, put new oil in her, and put a nice 4-5hour run and see if water gets in. Otherwise you could bite the bullet and order a full seal kit. Without vacuum testing we are all just pulling strings.

Often times a piece of fishing line ends up in the prop seal. If you see line behind the prop that can be a tell tale sign.

 

[boobie]

Re: water in lower unit Johnson 120

As said above, without a pressure and vacuum test your just guessing.