Another milk in foot question

[oldrudedude]

1971 Johnson 100hp electric shift

I changed the type "C" fluid in the lower unit a couple of days ago and noticed the old stuff to be milky. Checked it today after the weekend in the water and noticed it to be milky again. On inspection I noticed a smudge of oil at the bottom of the prop housing just aft of the engine skeg. I am assuming the prop seal is worn and letting water in and oil out. Do I have to remove the lower unit to change it or can I just remove the prop then pop the old seal out and drive another in? Also noticed there is a wee bit of play in the prop shaft in all directions. Movement is not the prop on the shaft. That is secure. Should there be slight play between the shaft and the bushing or should it feel perfectly tight?

 

[cdn-pk]

Re: Another milk in foot question

not sure about whats leaking but there should be no play in the prop shaft and the bearing. if you mean if take 1/4 turn to engage the gear (forward or reverse) that is normal.

i'll let the expert chime in on the important stuff, but i always pull off my lower unit, i find it easier to deal with in the vice in my mosquito free garage (the whole darn boat doesn't fit :-(

cheers

 

[boobie]

Re: Another milk in foot question

I'm not sure about the play in the prop shaft as I'm not there. If you can find a way to get the seals out, go for it. I have heard of drilling very small holes in the seals, installing screws in them and pulling on the screws to get the seals out. You then install the new ones with the right size of plastic pipe.