Red Oil coming from Water Inlet

[gnarbrah]

Hi all - I ran my 88' Johnosn 20 again yesterday on the hose but as I was hooking the muffs up I noticed some red oil had pooled up in the corners of the water intakes. Is this lower unit oil? I haven't pulled the drain/fill plugs on the lower unit yet (on my list this evening) to see if it's red. Is that strange? Also, if it is what does that mean I need to do to rectify?

Thanks

You can see some of the residue left over in this pic. Most of it washed away while running. Kind of hard to tell the color but it's the streaks on either side of the pickup running down the bullet.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Red Oil coming from Water Inlet

You should smell the oil. If it stinks, it is gear oil, and the waterpump gaskets or seals are likely leaking. if it smells like gas or oil, it is residual fuel.

 

[gnarbrah]

Re: Red Oil coming from Water Inlet

Thanks - I'll check the smell. I'm going to go trim it up and let it sit (I think that's when it showed up yesterday). Probably too dilluted now to smell like much. Do they make red gear oil?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Red Oil coming from Water Inlet

You might want to check or change your gearcase oil. If that's Dextron (which is red) in there, it is the wrong oil for your gearcase. You need a high viscosity oil.

 

[gnarbrah]

Re: Red Oil coming from Water Inlet

I plan on changing it for sure. Always do with a new (to me) motor. So I'm assuming it just takes the regular lower unit oil you can get everywhere right?

Also, if it is leaking would it be parts #23 & #24 on this diagram?

Sorry I think the link times out or something - It's a 1988 Johnson 20hp (J20CRCCA)

http://shop2.evinrude.com/ext/index.aspx?s1=4037c23e8883654e071d5b01ec2381d2

 

[ezeke]

Re: Red Oil coming from Water Inlet

Yes, the driveshaft oil seal. You probably want the whole seal kit, it's a much better deal than buying pieces - #0396351.

 

[gnarbrah]

Re: Red Oil coming from Water Inlet

Sounds like a plan. I just went and found the parts and exploded view on iboats. Very informative. I'm guessing if I'm tearing all that apart I might as well get the impeller kit as well and just get the whole thing 100% down there.

Question now is do I need special tools or anything to get these seals and things out? I've replace a few impellers so I'm somewhat familiar with these things but I've never actually gone into the gear area.

Anything tips / tricks or things to watch for?

Thanks!

 

[KYLakebasser]

Re: Red Oil coming from Water Inlet

If you don't have one get a manual . There are very detailed instructions , as well as required tools etc. Don't run out and get every tool listed however, As often its possible to use ones you allready have, as substitutes.
Good Luck,
Basser

 

[gnarbrah]

Re: Red Oil coming from Water Inlet

Thanks - I know the manual is a good idea. I'll pick one of those up shortly.

I know this may be a dumb question and I'll probably get scolded but would it cause major damage if I was change out the lower unit oil and run it on the lake a couple times before doing the change out of the seals?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Red Oil coming from Water Inlet

I would try that. While you are at it, put the oil in correctly so that the case is not overfilled. If you put in too much oil, it will bleed out under pressure when running. Always fill from the bottom (drain plug) and stop when the fluid begins to flow from the top (vent plug).

Here's a good deal: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1988...50168228376QQptZMotorsQ5fManualsQ5fLiterature

 

[gnarbrah]

Re: Red Oil coming from Water Inlet

Thanks! I just went through ebay and didn't see that. I just bought it!

I drained the lower unit fluid and it was red stuff. No idea why that was in there? Anyway I'll replace it with regular West Marine brand high viscosity lower unit oil. Two more questions:

So was that a green light to go ahead and take it for a spin around the lake prior to replacing the seals?

Second, When I change the lower unit oil I do fill from the bottom till it comes out the top. I then put the top screw in but by the time I unscrew the filler pump from the bottom and get the screw in the lower hole some oil leaks out. Should I give it one more squirt once the top screw is in to "replace" what leaks out during the transition or will that be overfilling?

Thanks again!

 

[ezeke]

Re: Red Oil coming from Water Inlet

You won't lose that much oil though it can seem as though you are. Did you see any sign of water in the oil that you drained out?

What may have happened is that someone thought that Dextron was OK because it was once listed as a substitute oil on electric shift motors. It is not OK for your gearcase and never was.

 

[gnarbrah]

Re: Red Oil coming from Water Inlet

I just finished filling the lower unit with high viscosity oil. While draining the dextron I didn't notice anything that appeared to be water. It was still fairly "clear red" when it came out. What would I notice if there had been significant water intrusion?

Glad I decided to do a lube change before running!

 

[ezeke]

Re: Red Oil coming from Water Inlet

After sitting undisturbed, petroleum products float on water so water would be the first thing out the drain plug as clear droplets; if agitated as after running, the oil will look cloudy or "creamy".