lower unit seal/gasket?

[elreydelos]

Hi all. Started up my 77 115 johnson in the driveway the other day and noticed water coming out of the seam where the lower unit connects to the shaft. Anyone know why this is? Is it a difficult fix? or about how much it would cost if I took it to a marine repair?

Thanks in advance for any info you could give!

 

[Walker]

Re: lower unit seal/gasket?

Its normal, nothing to fix.

 

[elreydelos]

Re: lower unit seal/gasket?

Really? That's good news. However, I neglected to mention that I drained the LU oil and it was milky. Is that OK? I did not see any rust or metal flakes. Thanks

 

[F_R]

Re: lower unit seal/gasket?

Put in new oil and watch it over the next few outings. A few drops of water a season isn't anything to get all excited about. That's one reason why they say to change it regularily. Significant water intrusion over a short time is a manditory reason to fix the leak.

Confirming, the leak at the seam is not a problem. That is cooling water that has already gone through the engine and done it's job. The seam is supposed to be sealed when installing the gearcase, just so people won't see it and worry.