Green and White Creamy Lower Unit Oil

[gt1000]

I just drained the lower unit oil out of a 1975 Johnson 115 HP (V4) and it is a green and white creamy substance. The engine has been sitting winterized for 4 years, according to previous owner. <br /><br />Is it suspose to be that color and consistancy after 4 years?<br /><br />Should I look into re-sealing the lower unit?<br /><br />If so, on a scale of 1 to 10 how hard would it be to do it yourself? <br /><br />Any special tools?

 

[JasonB]

Re: Green and White Creamy Lower Unit Oil

I did a reseal of my '76 85hp. nNot too hard, just took patience. The only odd tool was the puller for the bearing carrier, but I made one of of a scrap of 2x4, some all-thread, and some nut/washers. The shift rod seal is the worst.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Green and White Creamy Lower Unit Oil

After you clean and rebuild the carbs, replace the fuel pump, replace the fuel lines, change the plugs, change the water pump impeller, squirt some TCW-3 oil, in the cyliders, I would put new oil in the lower unit and run it awhile, then drain it again and see what it looks like and go from there.

 

[gt1000]

Re: Green and White Creamy Lower Unit Oil

Thank you for the advise.<br /><br />Let me add some more info. I currently have the lower unit pulled to replace the water impeller and gaskets. The impeller stopped spinning because the part that holds it to the shaft is missing. The part that is missing looks like a nickel cut in half, hopefully its not lodged in the waterway somewhere.<br /><br />Anyways, I was thinking that since I there anyways should I just go ahead and replace the seals?<br /><br />But, then again you could be right, I have yet to start the engine up yet.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Green and White Creamy Lower Unit Oil

i agree with lube dude, refill it and then see what it looks like from there

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Green and White Creamy Lower Unit Oil

gt1000,The water pump impeller cannot fall out under running conditions.Either it was ommited during assembly,or fell out when taken apart.<br /> DHP

 

[roscoe]

Re: Green and White Creamy Lower Unit Oil

When you change the lower unit oil, put new washers/gaskets on the drain and vent screws.<br /><br />They only cost a few cents and may cure the problem.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Green and White Creamy Lower Unit Oil

While you have the lower unit off and empty, I recommend a pressure test. This will remove any doubts.

 

[gt1000]

Re: Green and White Creamy Lower Unit Oil

Ok, the part that was missing from the impeller is called the drive key - it should look like a nickel cut in half. I've looked everywhere for it. When I pulled the water pump, the impleller was sitting in the bottom and spun freely without the shaft moving. Maybe you're right, maybe they forgot to put the drive key in. The impeller looks like it has minimal wear on the edges. The rubber is starting to degrade due to age, so I'll replace it.