6hp Johnson / Evinrude kicker lower unit leak (shaft seal?)

[son of a son of a sailor]

This spring while draining my lower unit I noticed a small amount of water (1-2 oz) drain from the lower unit. Chalked this up to age of the motor and the agesplit case of the lower gear case.

After approximately ten outing this year and probably 30 hours, I noticed an oil sludge coming from the weep hole in the lower gear case assembly under the cavitation plate. Seeing as it had been nearly two years since the last over haul of my little old 6hp I decided to tear it down (vs. spending a bunch of money on a new one) and get her back to tip top shape.

I dropped the lower unit, and to my surprise it looked like Slimmer had taken a crap onto of my impeller housing.
Knowing I had some issues with seal leakage from my lower unit, I'm trying to pin point the seal that will need to be replaced. I'm assuming the shaft seal (OIL RETAINER Part # 0314167) can be the culprit. The last over haul over two years ago I had saved the HOUSING & RETAINER ASSY. Part# 0382796 as it was not available, and punched out the oil retainer and replaced it. Was thinking my leak could be under that housing as well. ?????? Any suggestions and reference to other topics and post on here are GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks,

Son of a Son of a Sailor

 

[Bosunsmate]

what years that?
i put permatex form a gasket on the outside of the seals to help stop any leaks.
check your driveshaft isnt pitted as it might need a speedisleeve where the seal runs

 

[twocyclemania]

Are you sure that the 'sludge' at the weep hole is not unburned oil from the engine? Also, with 30 hours run time I would not be too worried about an ounce or so of water in the lower unit. Changing the lower unit oil on occasion is a lot cheaper than tearing things apart. I'm assuming the motor is older (though you didn't give the year). If it were me I'd just change the lower unit oil and not worry. I've done what I'm advising with a number of my motors and saved myself a lot of aggravation over spending time and money where it's not the end of the world. Just my advice!