Water in lower unit oil!! Can I fix this?

[lake_time]

I changed the lower unit oil on the motor I just got (the '77-140hp Johnson that I have posted a 1000 questions on) and it was milky!<br /><br />Can I fix this myself? I think it must be a seal that is failed or is leaking. I intend to pull the lower to replace the water pump, is it something I can do then? What should I look for?<br /><br />Thanks as always,<br />Dave

 

[ICEMAN]

Re: Water in lower unit oil!! Can I fix this?

There is a vacuum and pressure test you can perform on the gearcase to see if the seals are leaking. Investing in a service manual might be helpful. Water will make your oil milky, The other possibility, if it doesn't seem too milky, is if it has a synthetic gear oil in it. Some synthetic gear oils can pick up air, the moving lower unit gears will blend the air into the oil, giving it a milky look.

 

[lake_time]

Re: Water in lower unit oil!! Can I fix this?

If the seals have gone, how big a deal is this (cost and hassle wise) As I'll be pulling the lower for the water pump could I do these myself?<br />Dave

 

[popstoY]

Re: Water in lower unit oil!! Can I fix this?

I would recommend taking it to a shop and have them pressure test the lower unit. It may be as simple as replacing the two plastic washers in the fill & drain holes. Or, it could be an internal seal where you should let the shop take care of that for you, unless you have special tools.