1984 Johnson 6HP

[pyl16349]

I have a small external oil leak coming from the where the lower unit connects to the main housing and running down the lower unit to the skeg. Any suggestions on what that could be? Thanks.

 

[Crosbyman]

drained oil sludge... unburnt fuel/oil carbon etc...

also.... keep the small drain hole open with a pipe cleaner or piece of stiff wire so it can do it's job and let water out if you store outside in freezing temperatures !! Always drain and replace the GC oil before long term storage in cold temps.

 

[pyl16349]

It does not look like sludge. It looks like gear oil. See pic.

 

[tphoyt]

Looks normal to me.
If it’s bugging you do a pressure test for piece of mind.

 

[Crosbyman]

well it could be the upper oil seal but unlikley so just drop the GC you will see if it flows down from above (sludge) or exits UP from the lower sealed cavity of the GC

 

[racerone]

The 1984 lower unit is not the same as the above illustration.

 

[Crosbyman]

yep wrong one ... had 69 in my head for some reason ( came frompost on the 69 6hp ) same morning fog....basic issue

image corrected

 

[racerone]

Item #26 is one of the main leak points on these.

 

[Crosbyman]

may as well drop the GC oil to check for water to if OP does not have pressure testing tools
if oil goes out water usually gets in.