Lower Unit Fluid

[BigNiner19]

Got a late 80's early 90's Johnson 60 Horse 3 cylinder.(STILL TO THIS DAY HAVE NOT FOUND A SERIAL CODE TO DETECT THE YEAR) Motor has been running great after working out a bunch of kinks dating back to last spring. I changed the fluid and impeller/pump kit all right when I got it. Dont really know how many hours I've put on it since, but its probably been a decent amount. Between the test runs, and quite a few fishing runs also.

I really would like to keep up on maintenence with everything since it seems to be running so good now. Just looking for a good rule of thumb as to when to change out an impeller, lower unit oil, clean carbs, etc..

I grease all my grease fittings on the motor probably once every other month. I do not have tilt and trim. (its a PITA lifting that motor up and down).

Also what kind of lower unit oil do most use in this particular year range Johnsons? I forget the kind I put in last time, bought it from West Marine.

Thanks all

Cory

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Lower Unit Fluid

Recommended is 80-90 outboard gear oil, it has additives to protect the lower if you have water intrusion. Always replace the washer on the vent and drain screw. That is the #1 cause of water intrusion.

On the older electric shift motors, Premium Blend Type C oil is used for electric shift.

An impeller should be changed every 2 to 3 years, depending on the hours accumulated. I do mine every second summer, since the part is so cheap yet provides such excellent insurance. Its failure can cause catastrophic consequences. The carb should be done about every 2 to 3 years as well, although ppl that properly maintain their outboards can get much more out of a carb rebuild through running seafoam in their fuel, proper winterization etc... Todays fuel is getting worse, and rebuilding them every year is probably in the near distant future. If your lu seals are holding up strong, change out the lu oil every fall. That way it will ensure there is no water intrusion over the winter to freeze up.

As far as the year, I havent read your threads, but Ill assume there is no plate on the stern bracket here



If not, look for the welch plug, usually top rear of the motor. It is about the size of a quarter and will have the model number on it. Post this number for the year. Pictures on here may also help identifying it. Good luck.

 

[BigNiner19]

Re: Lower Unit Fluid

I'll post some pics....there isnt a truel model number on that plug you speak of, and there isnt a stern plate with a model number on it either. I can find two numbers, but none reflect a model number...they are more like serial numbers.

Ill post pics later.

Cory