water coming out of top of drive shaft tube?

[aarongreen123]

gents,
went to check out an old bluefin today, had an 83 75hp johnson on it. motor ran good with the ears on it, but i noticed some water leaaking down the motor, seemed to be coming from just under the powerhead. the guy took a little guard off the transom side of the motor beneath the powerhead, where you can see the drive shaft, and there was water coming out from around the drive shaft. can you help me understand if this is normal, and if not what the possible causes could be? could it be as simple as an O ring on the shaft missing or worn?

 

[boobie]

Re: water coming out of top of drive shaft tube?

Sounds to me like some seals are broken or missing in the water pump area or exhaust hsg.

 

[the machinist]

Re: water coming out of top of drive shaft tube?

Sounds like you may have way to much water pressure on the motor. Those outboard water pumps do not put out a lot of pressure, & garden hose to house water can produce up to 50#, way to much for the seals were designed for. Just slightly open the faucet valve until you get some water coming out the exhaust & water indicator hole on the motor.

 

[Sixmark]

Re: water coming out of top of drive shaft tube?

Boobie is spot on with his comment, a little time and not a whole lot of $ and you will be fine. However being this is a potential purchase for you, then I suggest you bring it to the attention of the seller that this is not normal and needs to be addressed before purchase or he will have to discount accordingly.

 

[F_R]

Re: water coming out of top of drive shaft tube?

Water normally leaks into the drive shaft tube. Normally, it drains off through two large holes near the lower mount.

So, since it is overflowing out the top, either there is an abnormal amount of water entering the drive shaft tube, or the drain holes are plugged (very unlikely). An abnormal amount of water entering the drive shaft tube may be due to worn seals or worn water pump housing, or worn impeller. OR, yes too much hose pressure.

You should plan on doing a water pump job on any used motor you buy anyway. "Just because".