Johnson 6 leaking oil

[Sol Searching]

I have a 2000 Johnson 6 and it just recently started leaking oil out of two small "U" shaped holes just below and and on the foward end of the cavitation plate(on both sides) right on the lower unit "seam". Any ideas?

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Johnson 6 leaking oil

If this is black and gungy it is just partially burnt oil coming down the leg with the exhaust and is perfectly normal.

However if it is clearly lower unit gear oil then you have a leak from the LU.

If you suspect this check the LU for water. Milkiness of the oil. Then it could be the driveshaft seals below the water pump or the shift rod seal which is just an O ring. If it's the drive shaft seals then I think you would be more likely to see it at the water intake. It could be the shift rod seal. Or it could be the gasket between the gearcase and the cover. The "proper" advice would be to have the LU pressure tested and completely resealed.

 

[elhombre]

Re: Johnson 6 leaking oil

check the seals (plastic o-rings) on the fill/drain plugs. I found a badly distorted seal on the upper plug of a '90 150 I bought last season, the lower unit was full of water. good luck!

 

[Sol Searching]

Re: Johnson 6 leaking oil

Thanks for the info Guy's. It is "Black and Gungy" so I'm not too worried....yet!