oil color in lower unit

[mcdonkey37]

I drained the oil and removed the lower unit on a 1973 evinrude 135 hp. The oil draining at first was thick and slightly milky looking. The rest draining out was not as thick and light brown. I changed the oil out 2 months ago, but had to do it again do to rebuild.

Is this normal? If not what am I looking for? Do the seals on the water pump need to be better?


thanks

 

[jonesg]

Re: oil color in lower unit

thats a slight water leak,
did you use new seals on the drain screws when you last changed it?

on my new to me J150 my oil was olive colored, I installed new seals on the screws and oil stayed honey colored all yr after that.

otherwise its seal kit time. You can get cheap pressure/vac guages which will show a leak, submerging in water will pinpoint the location with bubbles.

 

[mcdonkey37]

Re: oil color in lower unit

I did not replace the seals on the oil plugs. Is it ok to get them at a hardware store?

Where is a good place to get a pressure/vac kit?

thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: oil color in lower unit

It is unlikely that a hardware store will have the correct size. You can get the aftermarket ones in a bag of 50 from iboats or NAPA carries the same part under the same number 18-42481-9. You can also get them in a package of 5 - part #18-4248:
http://www.iboats.com/Sierra_18_424...2838190--**********.413927403--view_id.270527

http://www.iboats.com/Sierra_18_424...2838190--**********.413927403--view_id.171803

Look at MityVac #04050 or #MV8500: http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-7811-mityvac-mv8500.aspx

 

[mcdonkey37]

Re: oil color in lower unit

Thanks for the helpful answers,

Will that seal work for both the lower and upper oil plug?

My next question is can I create a hose and run air into the lower unit while under water with an air compressor to check for bubbles/bad seal? I ask because I dont know is the air compressor too much pressure?

thanks

 

[jtexas]

Re: oil color in lower unit

yup, same seal for drain and vent.

what I did for my pressure test, is use the tube and fitting from that $10 plastic pump you can get for changing your gear lube, the one that screws into the drain plug.

I adapted that tube (with some scrap 1/4" pvc hose) into my emergency roadside tire compressor, the kind with a built-in pressure gauge. Worked great.

As I recall, it should hold 12 PSI.

 

[ezeke]

Re: oil color in lower unit

The seals work on both.

You can do a pressure test with any pump with a pressure gauge and the ability to hold pressure for 45 minutes. Drain the gearcase and use the vent or fill plug hole for access. You will need a airtight fitting. Pressurize the gearcase not to exceed 15 PSI and then put it in the tank if you do not hear the air escaping. A good seal job will hold the air at 12 PSI for 45 minutes or so.

The vacuum test is more problematic, but necessary for a thorough test.

BTW: You can use a lubrimatic lube-tube fitting. It is aluminum and has a o-ring - you can pull it out of the lube tube and put it back for the lubrication.

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(4keetnbnqos15i45leh43g55)/ProductDetails.aspx?SKU=86228

 

[mcdonkey37]

Re: oil color in lower unit

Can the lower unit be checked for leaks without being attached? Or does the waterpump and all need to be connected to the exhaust and everything else?

thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: oil color in lower unit

It?s easier to test for leaks with the gearcase off so that you can drop the pressurized gearcase in a tank and look for air bubbles.

The gearcase should be drained before applying pressure of no more than 15 PSI. The gearcase should hold pressure for 45 minutes when properly sealed.

 

[david_r]

Re: oil color in lower unit

ezeke are these #s still good at your napa? .............. 18-4248

i just called mine to make sure they had them and they said they didnt and couldnt cross reference them

the reason i asked is because i have to drive 30-40 min to my nearest boat center........... napa is like 10 min away.

 

[ezeke]

Re: oil color in lower unit

I don't deal with NAPA stores unless I have to so I don't know what your local NAPA dealer does. The parts are available from iboats and my experiencce has been that they ship immediately.

http://www.iboats.com/Johnson_Drain...2838190--**********.916496960--view_id.271318

 

[david_r]

Re: oil color in lower unit

ok. i think ill go the 50 per pack route.......... that way ill have a bunch........ and i think the shipping probably be cheaper than gas, im gonna order some more stuff too.

thanks ezeke!!