leaking seal on lower, need advice

[dave208]

I was doing spring maintennance Sunday on the outboards changing lower gear oil. I cracked the plug on my 1978 50hp johnson and got about a quarter cup of water. I am thinking of doing the seals myself,but would like to check to see which seal is leaking. Can anyone tell me how much psi I should apply to the lower to check the seals? My intention is to drain the oil, pressurize the lower unit and put it in a tube of water. Is this the proper way to check them? I don't want to over pressurize and blow all the seals. Would the best bet be to replace input, output, and shifter seal all at the same time? Is shaft wear a issue on bad seals? I was hoping to save a few bucks on this job, since the other motors have been on a nickel and dime spree.

 

[ezeke]

Re: leaking seal on lower, need advice

Your plan is good 10 to 12 PSI on the empty case is plenty. The seal kits have everything you need, but you may just decide to fix only what is wrong. My motors have had driveshaft and shift rod problems, never a propshaft.

 

[dsinger]

Re: leaking seal on lower, need advice

You might save yourself a little time just by spraying soapy water around the top side of your lower unit once it is full of air. Most of the time it is on the top side. If not there it is the seals on the fill and vent plug. If it is in the hub you might as well replace all the seals even the little ones on the bolts behind the carrier bearing.

 

[dave208]

Re: leaking seal on lower, need advice

You might save yourself a little time just by spraying soapy water around the top side of your lower unit once it is full of air. Most of the time it is on the top side. If not there it is the seals on the fill and vent plug. If it is in the hub you might as well replace all the seals even the little ones on the bolts behind the carrier bearing.

 

[dave208]

Re: leaking seal on lower, need advice

Thanks, I like the idea of the soapy water. Never gave that a thought. One can learn something new every day.

 

[dave208]

Re: leaking seal on lower, need advice

Your plan is good 10 to 12 PSI on the empty case is plenty. The seal kits have everything you need, but you may just decide to fix only what is wrong. My motors have had driveshaft and shift rod problems, never a propshaft.

 

[dave208]

Re: leaking seal on lower, need advice

I never had a prop shaft leak either. Had the shift linkage leak on two motors. I always pulled the lowers and took them to the shop, but the mechanic that was their is gone now and I don't care for the quality of the work done now. Not to many real mechanics left any more and $65.00/hour is a little steep for my taste. Thanks for the help.