Johnson Lower unit issues

[ddwilson]

I have a 5 1/2 hp Johnson CD-16 that the lower unit is leaking can see the oil coming up while setting there fishing
changed the oil in it the last two times had it out came back with quite a bit of water each time. Other than this
the thing runs great always starts 1 or 2 pulls starts and idles much better than my mercury. Any suggestions
where to start?
Doug

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: Johnson Lower unit issues

You'll need to take the lower unit off. If you have access to a lower unit pressure gauge, it'll show you where the leaks are. If not, you probably need to change the driveshaft seal, the propshaft seal, the shift rod seal, and the spheggitti seal for the housing. Also, be sure to get 2 new seals for the drain/fill screws. No special tools are required but, if you had the Service manual for your motor, it would save you some time and aggrevation.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Johnson Lower unit issues

Although it does appear you do need to reseal your lower unit, it is likely the oil you're seeing is NOT from the lower unit. Rather, it is likely unburned fuel/oil mix that has accumulated in the motor leg - one of the few less than appealing aspects of running old outboards. You can prevent some of that by keeping the motor in good tune, making sure the carb is properly adjusted, and loosening the gas cap when not running the motor (pressurized tank can force fuel through the carb when not in use).

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Johnson Lower unit issues

Hi ddwilson. If you really are getting water into the gearcase after each trip, that is a problem. You'll need to do a lower unit reseal job. It's not that bad and you can get a seal kit right here at iboats for about $25. Here's a link for the kit.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/partfind...=5.5&gd_search_1047=1959&session_id=490245103