Looks like I do have a lower unit leak somewhere

[thegipper]

I've asked in other posts awhile ago but never really got a straight answer, my 1970 60hp johnson is getting water in the lower unit (about an ounce while it was in the water for about 7 hours).

I am wondering exactly which seals could be failing. When I try to do a pressure test, it won't even build up pressure (can hear hissing inside the LU).

I'm assuming it could be the prop shaft seals (two of them) or the drive shaft seals (two of them?). The drain/fill plugs and washers are new so I know it's not them.

Are there any other seals on this particular motor that could be causing water to get in? Also are there any special tools needed to replace any of these seals? I am relatively mechanically inclined and I do have a manual (not the most helpful). I am hoping I can replace the seals myself.

If anyone wants to give me a rough estimate of what you think a shop would charge to do it, that would be cool. My step dad just had his older evinrude worked on (carbs rebuilt and a few other things) by a guy who does good work. He charged 280 bucks.

The motor otherwise runs great and shifts great.

Thanks

 

[racerone]

The age of your motor has nothing to do with what the shop will charge you.------In a big high overhead shop a complete teardown inspection / reseal could well cost $400 or more.

 

[oldboat1]

A DIY method is to drain the l.u., and remove it. Test it in a tub of water (object is to look for a trail of bubbles to show you where it's leaking -- crush washer around the drain or vent holes, driveshaft seal, propshaft seal... ) I use a small foot pump with a gauge, and the needle used for inflating boat bumpers -- use a piece of gasket material or similar, and hold it in the fill or vent hole (close the other hole). Just light pressure, maybe 5-8 lbs.

To vacuum test, I use a Mitivac -- good to do both tests, but the pressure test may tell you enough about what needs to be done, if anything.

 

[thegipper]

I already know it leaks, the question is where. My plan would be to just replace all of the seals but I don't know which ones to order.

I'm assuming I need:

Prop shaft seals
Drive shaft seals

But what else? What other seals could fail that would cause water to come in (O-rings, etc)

Thanks

P.S. I wasn't implying the age of the motor has anything to do with the price of repairs. The shop, is a local guy who works on motors, not a marina or big repair shop.

 

[Crosbyman]

pressurize it and soak L.U. in water/soap just like a flat tire... look for bubbles