White Oil in lower unit

[Old No 7]

I have a 1988 88HP Johnson Outboard. It was been out of the water for 2 seasons now. I just bought it (1st Boat) and found there was water in the oil of the lower unit. It is completely white. I have the Clymers and OEM service manual(photocopy) for the engine. I'm handy but rebuilding this does not seem easy, and the pictures in the OEM manula are not great.<br /><br />My question is: Should I just replace the oil and try it for a while? Will I hurt anything? I've had quite a bit of advice from friends.... all different. I'd like to keep my costs down as much as possible, but at the same time i want to use my boat!<br /><br />Thanks in Advance,<br /><br />Mike<br /><br />PS: I did do a search, but nothing is there about boats that have been stored that I found.

 

[Old No 7]

Re: White Oil in lower unit

Sorry, I somehow came here when I thought I was in the repair section. I will repost there<br /><br />Mike

 

[ehenry]

Re: White Oil in lower unit

No7, replace the grease and also replace the vent and fill screw gaskets then go run it. When you get back check again and see if its still getting water in it. If so its time for a seal job. You might get lucky and only need the the two screw gaskets.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: White Oil in lower unit

I remember getting some lower unit oil many years ago that was white from the get go. At least drain and refill it and replace the gaskets as specified, run it, and then drain it and refill as a flush.<br />-----------------------------<br />

 

[Old No 7]

Re: White Oil in lower unit

Thanks, I will. <br /><br />Now that you mention it, when I drained the oil I kept if in a glass jar. It is still white, the water and oil never seperated. it's been a week......

 

[Old No 7]

Re: White Oil in lower unit

Thanks to all that responded. I changed the two plug seals last night. After doing a search I found how to do both a pressure check and a vacuum check....I never would have thought of that! Both were fine. Put new oil in, and ran the motor for about 20 min. Oil is still clean. The boat is going in the water today. (After I cahnge the oil again to flush it)<br /><br />I only wish I had found this website 2 months ago!!!<br /><br />Thanks again!