holes in lower end

[fmanerchia]

Hi everyone. I have a 85 hp Johnson (Model 85ESL-73M, Serial # J3856855) that stopped going into gear, forward or reverse. I pulled it out of the water and the bottom end has been eaten up. It has a few postage stamp sized pits, three or four pin holes and several microscopic leaks, as evidenced by tiny foaming spots once I drained the bottom end of oil (black water.)<br /> My question is, is it pretty much a forgone conclusion that the unit is trashed? I'm going to refill the gear box with Johnson Hi-vis oil, is there any kind of additive that would help the internal gear components if they are frozen? The engine still turns over and the prop turns. Is there any kind of substance that can be painted on that will protect/seal the case? Finally, I have another 85 hp Johnson engine w/ an electric lower end. Can they be swapped?<br />Thanks for your patience and help.<br />Frank

 

[OBJ]

Re: holes in lower end

You won't really know how bad it is until you take it apart Frank. Leaks in the gear case can be repaired with welding or if the hole is small enough, something like JB Weld. Body filler can patch the pits....make sure it's all clean first.<br /><br />But I don't think I would trust the guts without taking a look first.<br /><br />The electric 85 lower unit should bolt up easy enough. You just need to run the harness up to the lower pan.

 

[fmanerchia]

Re: holes in lower end

OBJ,<br /> Thanks for the reply. I filled the bottom end with lube and when the pinholes started weeping, I smeared some caulk on the case. (I was desperate.) I didn't even have the guts to see if it would shift into gear. Worse comes to worse, I always have the other bottom end.<br />Thanks,<br />Frank

 

[OBJ]

Re: holes in lower end

Geeezzzz Frank....sounds like a very desperate fisherman.....