1992 Johnson 25hp lower unit seals

[joho5]

I just acquired this motor. I noticed some lower unit oil leaking in between the prop and lower unit.

I was just looking for opinions, when you guys see this, do you go ahead and reseal the whole unit?

I dont have a manual yet, but was wondering if you take the prop nut off and prop, is it fairly easy to pull the shaft out and at least replace the bearing cage O-ring and the prop shaft seals?

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 1992 Johnson 25hp lower unit seals

You will need a "puller" to get the gears out. I wouldn't say it's an "easy" job, but with the service manual, you shouldn't have any trouble doing it. Have you checked the lower unit oil to see if it's milky in color?

 

[joho5]

Re: 1992 Johnson 25hp lower unit seals

no, it was black...but there was a little bit on the outside of the gearcase...and I know it was lower oil because of the smell.

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 1992 Johnson 25hp lower unit seals

I'm not sure you need to worry about it to much. Just check the oil level a couple of times per season and keep it full. When water gets inside, then you need to address that.

 

[joho5]

Re: 1992 Johnson 25hp lower unit seals

Well I pulled the prop...I can now see the prop shaft seals and they are dry as dirt, so the leak isnt there...now looking down at the bearing cage, the oil is coming from the outside of it I guess because its wet all around on the outside of the bearing cage.

Does the bearing cage o-ring need to be replaced?

Or is there a posibility I can fill it up with oil, run it, and possibly be ok?

 

[Crizzle316]

Re: 1992 Johnson 25hp lower unit seals

i would replace that o-ring seal while you have the bearing carrier pulled.
If that seal is bad and water leaks in you will have a rusty surprise soon