78 Johnson 115 gearcase water leak

[zaneh]

My 78 115 johnson is leaking water between the gearcase and the exhaust housing when hooked up with muffs for flushing. Also there is water coming out of the shift shaft. What gives, it looks like there is no gasket between the gear case. I just bought this engine and rebuilt the powerhead. I didn't notice the water leak when the prior owner hooked it up to the hose, but I was paying more attention to the powerhead at the time. Any help would be great!

 

[jimtodd72]

Re: 78 Johnson 115 gearcase water leak

There is an internal gasket between the exhaust housing and the lower unit which you can't see without taking the lower unit off. Since most of the coolant water for this engine is ejected through the exhaust instead of a "pee-hole", it is common to see some water come out of the joint between the exhaust housing and lower unit. As long as you are not getting water into your lower unit, you should be fine.<br /><br />Jim

 

[zaneh]

Re: 78 Johnson 115 gearcase water leak

JT72,<br /><br />Thanks for the heads up on the lower unit, I have used Mercs over the years and this is my first OMC.....I just overhauled the powerhead and ran it on Sat which was why I was concerned about the water seepage on the lower unit. If anyone else has some pointers I would like to hear them as well.