Gear Oil Leak + Milky Oil

[JJsays77]

Using a 1975 50 hp Johnson Seahorse. My gear oil has been leaking a bit. I first noticed it on the water when we were drifting. Then when I test it and run it for a while with the muffs it will leak a little bit. I've taken out a few times and just drained the oil just to see. There seemed to be a lot in there still but half of what is coming out is milky. As I understand it is because water is somehow getting mixed in with the gear oil. Is this a problem I should take care of asap and fairly easy to fix? What could be the problem? Or would it be easier for me to just change the oil every few trips? Is changing the oil every few trips a reasonable option?

 

[Skidz]

Re: Gear Oil Leak + Milky Oil

You definitely want to take care of it now; it's a reasonably simple problem that can grow much worse if left alone, and much more expensive to boot. Not sure about the ease of fixing it, that will take some digging on your part to find out where the leak is. Do you have a factory service manual? This will help tremendously. Either way, it's not something you want to band-aid over, it won't get any better without some work.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Gear Oil Leak + Milky Oil

Yes fix it, if you put fresh oil in it you can run till the end of the season if you keep an eye on it but definately change the seals.

I noticed mine was taking in a bit of water and have a seal kit and water pump in the garage waiting for the end of the season, if you don't know how old your pump is go ahead and change that too.

No matter what this costs it is WAY cheaper than toasting a powerhead or blowing a lower, all your parts can be had here at iboats and at a very good price.

 

[newbeewhaler]

Re: Gear Oil Leak + Milky Oil

I was having a leak too , Replace the seal. Change the oil. Mine ran like a champ after I had my seal changed and new oil. I didn't tackle the replacment of the seal myself. had a mechanic do it.

 

[tphoyt]

Re: Gear Oil Leak + Milky Oil

It could be as simple as as changing the O rings for the fill holes. I would try this first and if it still leakes the get a seal kit or have it done.

Good luck

 

[JJsays77]

Re: Gear Oil Leak + Milky Oil

Thanks, I have a service manual on its way.

We're talking about a seal kit for the gearbox, correct?

Question: Is water allowed to fill the lower unit or is there a certain circuit the water is supposed to go through when cooling off the engine? Could there be a leak in my water pump or wherever the water flows as well? I know the water pump is working when water comes out the prop(exhaust) only when the engine is running. However, water is coming out other areas as well even when it is not running when I have the muffs on.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Gear Oil Leak + Milky Oil

Water comes out all over the place on those so don't worry about that but it isn't suppose to be in the lower, if you ge tthe seal kit it wil come with all the seal including the draun plugs.

I got the Mallory kit here at iboats and it has every seal you will need, yes it is for the gear box.

+1 for getting a manual, it is the best money you will ever spend.

 

[JJsays77]

Re: Gear Oil Leak + Milky Oil

Well this is great. Just looked on iBoats and there aren't any seal kits for my 1975 50hp Johnson :/

http://www.iboats.com/Johnson-Lower...4596103--**********.834624987--view_id.271288