1971 Johnson 60 HP water in lower unit.

[Rad2101]

Hi,

Probably a dumb question. I recently aquired this old motor and it seemed to be lacking any water output on muffs. So not knowing how bad this thing was thought I would pull the lower unit and check water pump etc. Lower unit was full of sand silt, water etc and I wondered if this should be sealed to the outside world?? Should water be getting in here? Should there be a gasket between the lower unit and the top?

I cleaned it all up and pulled the water pump out. All looks ok, it may have just been clogged with sand and silt. No water in oil etc. Now I have to put back together but wondered if all compartments of lower unit need to be sealed. Obviously it wasnt before and due to the age and wear may be difficult to seal again. The mating surface on the bottom unit is pretty good but the top unit mating surface is not so good and has some notches in it.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks Radbeck

 

[yorab]

Re: 1971 Johnson 60 HP water in lower unit.

For the 1960's models, the mid-level areas are open to the water. Should be the same for your 1971 model. What is important is that the lower unit is sealed properly. Go to marineengine.com and look for the parts diagram for your motor if you haven't yet. You'll see that no gaskets are required for the mating surfaces between the lower unit and the exhaust housing because that area gets filled with water anyway.

 

[Rad2101]

Re: 1971 Johnson 60 HP water in lower unit.

Many thanks for your reply. I'm now even more confused. I have searched the diagrams and part numbers etc for my motor but find the lower unit appears to be closest to a 1977 75hp, the exhaust housing more of a 1973 65hp and the model number on the transom bracket says it's a 1971 60hp. I can not see any gasket though on any of the three models in the parts diagrams so I guess it probably doesn't need to be water tight in the mid section. Looks like the lower unit is sealed ok so it may be ok to put back together.

Is it possible all the different model parts would be correct and would bolt together ok as I mentioned above?

Thanks
Radbeck

 

[yorab]

Re: 1971 Johnson 60 HP water in lower unit.

Your motor could have been Frankensteined in the past. Not a problem until you need to order the correct parts for it.

 

[5150abf]

Re: 1971 Johnson 60 HP water in lower unit.

The mid is open to the water and whoever you bought it off of got into some shallow water at some point, eitherway not a problem, did you check the actual lower unit for water, if not do so immediatly, they really don't like running with water in them.

If it is a new to you boat you should change the lower unit anyhow.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: 1971 Johnson 60 HP water in lower unit.

If it is a new to you boat you should change the lower unit anyhow.

I guess you mean the oil in lower unit?

 

[Rad2101]

Re: 1971 Johnson 60 HP water in lower unit.

Thanks guys,

Looks to be a Frankenstein of perhaps 3 different year model parts. I am looking to purchase some parts as there is some damage to some of the mechanical parts so I 'll have to choose carefully.

I am pretty confident now that the mid section is open to the water so I will not worry too much about sealing it up too well. I am going to use a flexible gasket sealent around the edges just to keep out any crap. I may open it again after a bit usage to check I havent fouled anything or check the water isnt sitting there unable to escape due to the sealant.

The lower unit looks to be sealed pretty well and the oil appeared to be water and metal shaving free. So all looks ok I think.

I will get it back together and check on the muffs again. Hopefully it will be pumping some water this time.

Many thanks

Cheers
Radbeck

 

[yorab]

Re: 1971 Johnson 60 HP water in lower unit.

Be sure to replace the plastic seals on the drain and fill screws or you will find water in the lower unit. You can buy those pretty cheap and they should be replaced every time the screws come out.

 

[Rad2101]

Re: 1971 Johnson 60 HP water in lower unit.

Will do thanks. I'll have to order some online until I can find a local supplier. I have a guy I take my little motor to for service and repairs. He may have a supplier.

Thanks guys for all the assistance.

cheers
Radbeck

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1971 Johnson 60 HP water in lower unit.

If you have a NAPA store near you, you can get them there under the Sierra 18-4248.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: 1971 Johnson 60 HP water in lower unit.

It is just a simple nylon washer, try a hardware store or plumper.

 

[Rad2101]

Re: 1971 Johnson 60 HP water in lower unit.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

cheers