1970 85 hp leaking water into the lower unit.

[cs5747]

Hello,<br /> I have a 1970, 85 HP hydro-electric Johnson outboard. I recently drained the lower unit for good measure, the oil was milky, so obviously water has gotten into the unit. To rule out just a cut seal behind the propeller, I filled the lower unit back up with premium oil, put the muffs on, and started the engine and let it run for a few minutes and then went to look at the oil and it was milky again, so I don't think it is just a cut seal behind the propeller. Also, when it was running, there was a little water coming out of the 2 holes just below the powerhead, so it looks like the water pump is working. I know I need to pull the lower unit off, and inspect all the internal components. I am wondering if anyone has any other ideas to test before I tear it down, and what could be wrong internally. I do have a manual, but I am still unclear as to what seals, ect. keep the water where it should be going. Could it be a cracked water pump, hole in the pipes going up to the powerhead, or are there any known problems with this engine that it could be? Thanks!!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1970 85 hp leaking water into the lower unit.

Drain the lower unit, then install just one of the drain/oil level screws. Apply 7 to 12 pounds of pressurized air to the open screw hole, using a rag or piece of rubber to help keep the air from escaping.<br /><br />This usually allows one to see and/or hear where the leakage point is.<br /><br />There are times however where it is necessary to remove the water pump assy so that the driveshaft can be moved slightly up, down, and sideways to reveal a worn bearing and/or worn seals at that area before the air is allowed to break thru.

 

[cs5747]

Re: 1970 85 hp leaking water into the lower unit.

Thanks Joe!!<br /> I finally had a chance to do this, and it worked great!! I did have to take the water pump assy. off to find the leak, and the leak is the seal in the bearing housing seal assembly, it had a tear in it. I did find out that someone had been in this unit before, and they were not gentle on the lower unit at all. When I opened it up, first thing I noticed was a broken bolt that was supposed to hold the water pump assy. on, so it had 3 out of the 4, no big deal, got the assy. off, took the impeller off, and got the broke bolt out. I took the bottom plate off, so I could look for the air leaks (which was that seal), and found an epoxy correction on the side of the aluminum housing, that the lower plate sits on... it came out quite easily, so when they had it off before, they broke out a piece of aluminum and filled it with epoxy. I am new at this, but I am thinking that if that whole is there, the water pump won't pump much at all, if any. I thought about trying some JB Weld to see if that would hold up rather than replacing the whole housing.. any thoughts? To risky? If you think it is too risky to try to fix, do you know of any boat junk yards that would ship the lower unit housing for a minimal price and what other years/ HP's would work for my 1970 85 hp Johnson? I can't find that seal that has a rip in it either, that I need for the bearing housing assembly, does anyone know where I can get one? Do I have to buy the entire assembly, if so any idea where I can get one of those? Thanks!!

 

[djzyla1980]

Re: 1970 85 hp leaking water into the lower unit.

Electric Shifts.... How fun...lol<br /><br />Parts are pricey, and hard to find. <br /><br />If it were mine I would try to find the housing (Dealer) I know up here most dealers have a "back lot" with there junk engines on it. Just recently There was a couple of posts about a 69 and 68 people are letting them go for parts. I get ahold of them first.... If all else fails or it's too pricey.. I would prolly get out the JB weld. I've used that stuff for alot of things and it's pretty amazing stuff. I put it up there with the sea foam...lol<br /><br />Just what I would do

 

[captain spike]

Re: 1970 85 hp leaking water into the lower unit.

hey deerhunter,try this guy , ashburnham marine 978-827-4739 he is in mass and has tons of the old stuff.i have a 1969 115 that the bearing carrier broke i called this guy he says i have a box of them come on up . im like here we go...get there he goes out back had a brand new one for $80 yahoo he might or might not have one but its worth a try....these old motors arnt that bad and to find parts just takes a little work .there out there just gotta find them good luck ***1971 18'winner 1969 115 johnny***<br /> ---THURSDAY---

 

[cs5747]

Re: 1970 85 hp leaking water into the lower unit.

Thanks Dave JZ and Captain Spike! I will try to find a different housing. Does anyone know if I can buy just that seal, or do I have to buy the entire bearing housing seal assembly? The bearing housing is ok, it is the entire lower end housing that has the piece of aluminum broke out of it. The only thing wrong with the bearing housing is the seal. Thanks for all your suggestions and help!

 

[djzyla1980]

Re: 1970 85 hp leaking water into the lower unit.

You will prolly have to buy a kit (not too sure on that one) but If I were you and had if off and torn down... it would be worth the effort and time to replace the rest of them.<br /><br />I'm sure if one is goin.... the others are prolly short behind it.