61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid

[mikeandronda]

I have been offered an older ridgeline 14' with a 61 10 HP johnson on it for $400 but the guy says this about the motor "it does leak a little lower unit fluid and a little water" Is this something that is fixed without breaking the bank? The boat is in decent shape and though the trailer needs to be rewired its solid. I am not mechanicly inclined though my best freind is............If I buy the boat is it something a motor mechanic can fix fast and easy or could me and my freind possably do this ourselves. Thanks in advance.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid

"it does leak a little lower unit fluid and a little water"

Hmmm....first thing that comes to mind....leaking from where? Many folks are sometimes confused with what 'looks' like lower unit lube and water is nothing more than unburned fuel and water mixed and dripping from the exhaust port. This dripping is mostly noticed after a period of slow trolling at low rpm's. Personally, I'd change the lower unit lube (along with new drain-vent screw gaskets) and run it for awhile. Change the lower unit lube again and look for water in the lube. If it looks like a milkshake, you have water intrusion into the lower unit. Sealing involves pressurizing the lower unit with 8-10 lbs of air and looking for air bubbles in a test tank. The leaking seal(s) will be obvious.

 

[mikeandronda]

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid

Well now that sounds like a job for a mechanic Whats the worse case senario?

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid

$400 for the boat, trailer and outboard is a good deal. I'd snap it up if it was me.You might have to do a LU seal job but if you have a good mechanical friend he can help you thru it. Xcusme is correct in his post. You'd have to test it to see how bad it is. Also, if you use synthetic LU oil it can go a long way with water in it.

Worst case scenerio is that you can pick up a LU off ebay to replace the leaky one if you dont want to take it apart. The LU's swap off really easy.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid

My first thought is "leaking water" from where? Does he mean oil leaks out and water comes into the lower unit? Or are they separate leaks?

Resealing the lower unit isn't very difficult. You and your friend can do it. Go buy a manual for your motor. Factory service manuals are best. Your machine is especially easy to work on. However, I'd follow Xcusme's advice first. Then I'd change the seals. After +40 years they are probably shot.

 

[mikeandronda]

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid

Thanks guys, I will see if i can get the deal to go through ( last one I set up guy backed out) Hopfully it will.

 

[nimmor]

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid

The boat' if in good shape' is worth $400. If it comes with a trailer that gives it more value. I would go ahead and snatch it up before someone else does. Then do some research on working on lower units, get some quotes on parts and repairs and go from there. Even if you decide to sell the motor and get another one you will still be ahead on this deal.

 

[mikeandronda]

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid (updated)

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid (updated)

Ok talked to the guy today and he said he replaced the seal and it still leaked.......said he just adds LU fluid every couple of times he took it out and it runs fine........He said he did his best to fix it but it still leaked......With that being said what if I had to replace the lower unit? What would a ball park estimate be? I could not find any online but it would not be the first time Im missing something.....

 

[F_R]

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid (updated)

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid (updated)

It would be kind of dumb to replace a complete lower unit with another used one unless yours is unrepairable. The "new" used one might need resealing in the near future also.

Seals are replaceable and available. About the only thing that would make it a junker would be if it ran with low oil or water instead of oil long enough to destroy the pinion bearing and gears.

 

[mikeandronda]

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid

Well the reason Im worried he said he welded some part of the LU and that there was simethinfg else he put on a laithe..........Just thinking what if ? What would a lower unit cost..............Average.

 

[F_R]

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid

You should consider that motor to be worth junk price. Then if you can make something out of it, fine. Otherwise, part it out.

E-bay is a great gambling joint. I just sold a lower unit on e-bay for $65 that had $300 worth of new gears in it. And I bought another one for $35 + shipping that turned out to have been tampered with by some cretin and it is junk. Win some and lose some. I seem to be losing more than I win. Except I only paid $15 for the one that I sold for $65.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid

I just bought a lower unit on eBay that would fit your motor for $26 + shipping. A lower unit for a motor of that vintage should cost $100 or less.

If he didn't re-seal the entire lower unit he didn't fix the problem. Maybe he replaced the vent screw washers or maybe put some silicone on the skeg joint either way he didn't fix anything. I'd be leary of that motor. However, for the price of that package the motor is essentially free.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid

I'd be leary if he welded something in the LU and turned something on a lathe? Huh? But unless you took it apart you'll never know. And if you do get it and take it apart, post some pics.

 

[Sailormannj]

Re: 61' 10 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid

I have the same engine with the same type problem. Where can you get the seals that go in the lower unit?

Are any special tools needed to replace the seals-the drive shaft and prop seals?

The Sealoc manual is not that good on lower unit repair, any other good manuals out there?

This engine has been in the family and in fresh water St Lawrence River since day one. Starts right up every time, every year.

 

[40 hp johnson owner]

Re: 2004 40 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid

Re: 2004 40 hp Johnson leaks lower unit fluid

I have a 40 hp johnson motor, when you start the boat to let it idle it is fine. But when you give it gas the oil light stays on and says there are no oil, but the resavor is full. What do you think could be the problem Please help?