88spl Johnson oil leak

[friedcola2]

1995 17'Dargel Skout, 1996 88spl is leaking oil at the bottom bearing retainer at the 6 (or 8) bolt flange (not at the 4 in the middle with the o-rings). Can I remove the bearing retainer without taking the entire engine apart? I noticed that there is no gasket on this flange, what should be used to seal it?<br />2- When I ran the motor last week, water was coming from the shift rod area toward the front of the engine (under the carbs), the alarm sounded off and I shut it down. I suspect that 1 or both thermostats have frozen. Does that sound possible?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 88spl Johnson oil leak

The four bolts with the o rings hold the lower bearing housing onto the lower bearing. The lower bearing is pressed onto the crank. You will not get the lower housing off with these 4 bolts in place. If you do get it apart, not sure you can re-thread the four bolts into the bearing retainer ring without splitting the case. Perhaps an expert on the board can comment further... There is a large o ring on both the upper and lower bearing retainers. A little OMC gasket sealer on the o ring when it goes back together should be OK. There is no water jacket in the front of the engine. Two possible water sources: 1. that one of the two hoses on the back thermostat housing (that feed the heads) has a hole. That might permit the water to pool in the lower cowl and exit in the area you mention. 2. You may have a bad base gasket, permitting water to exit at the split upper mid section/base of the block. Fix the leak and you may find the horn quits.

 

[friedcola2]

Re: 88spl Johnson oil leak

I guess I'll remove the lower bearing retainer and if I can't get the 4 bolts in the center to line back up I'll go ahead and tear it apart.<br />I removed the 2 thermostats and placed them in water, heating them up and checking the temp, 1 opened at about 140, the other didn't open until almost 160, and didn't close when cooled. I'll replace them both and the gasket. The hoses were not leaking. Thanks, Dave

 

[OBJ]

Re: 88spl Johnson oil leak

Dmc....I really want to ask, how do you know the seal is leaking.....???

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 88spl Johnson oil leak

I think OBJ is right. If you are getting an black, tarry substance from the lower engine block, it may be nothing more than a bad base gasket. Certainly a different situation than a problem with the block.