oil leaking from prop

[charleso]

I just looked at a 1988 120hp Johnson. Motor was tilted up on a transom saver, when I lowered motor, oil ran from the prop,What are possible problems and how much (money and labor) to fix?

 

[steelespike]

Re: oil leaking from prop

While it could be prop shaft seal problem but it is most likely just exhaust residue.Usually it will smell gassy.
Also usually if there is a seal problem water will be present in the gear oil.

 

[iwombat]

Re: oil leaking from prop

Sounds like you need to re-gasket and seal your lower unit. You should be able to price out a kit here on iboats. It's a pretty simple operation as repairs go.

If it's actually running from the prop (and not someplace else onto the prop) it's the oil seal for the prop shaft. These can get fishing line and all kinds of things in 'em and fail.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: oil leaking from prop

If it was black, probably exhaust residue.

 

[charleso]

Re: oil leaking from prop

Thanks for the help,fellas. Is this motor worth 2grand attached to a 1988 Basscraft Bass/Ski boat in decent shape?

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: oil leaking from prop

Did it run from out of the actual prop, like from the inside of the prop or from around the back of it and how long did it take for it to come out after you tilted the engine down?

On an '88 I'd definitely do a compression test before buying it.

 

[i386]

Re: oil leaking from prop

LU oil and 2-Cycle oil from exhaust both have a very distinct smell. from there you should be able to tell which. I'm betting 2-Cycle oil. Like said above, drain the LU oil and see if there's any water in it anyway.

 

[charleso]

Re: oil leaking from prop

Thanks for the suggestions, seller has agreed to pay for local OMC dealer to service lower unit, water pump, and steering before I purchase.

 

[DJ]

Re: oil leaking from prop

Have the dealer do a compression test. All the readings should be over 100 psi and within 5-10 psi of each other.

If not-PASS.

 

[charleso]

Re: oil leaking from prop

i386, I have a 1969 40 horse evinrude electric foot motor runs good, blown winding in the gen., also have a 40 horse from some time in the late sixties with manual foot, motor is not locked up, have not tried to actually run it. The running motor is on a 1973 16ft monarc alum. hull. Would be interested in what u think this might be worth.