water in lower unit

[huddled]

I have a 1988 johnson 140 vro. the shaft seal on the lower unit has been replaced but im still getting water in the oil. Im assuming the shaft is bent? Is this common and is it difficult to replace? Or does anyone have any other suggestions?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: water in lower unit

Sure. Drain the gear oil and pressure/vacuum test the LU. Do not exceed 15 psig. Submerge while pressurized to find where the leak is. Why do you think it's leaking from the prop shaft seals? There are other seals (driveshaft, shift rod plus fill/drain screw seals). It's also easy to test for a bent prop shaft ... use a dial indicator to measure runout. BTW, a good LU will retain some pressure/vacuum for at least 45 minutes.

 

[huddled]

Re: water in lower unit

The drive shaft seals have been replaced. I just acquired the boat from my father and wanna get it straight. He was told the drive shaft may be bent due the water in the LU oil. If this is the problem is it do able by a novice mechanic?
And thanks for the pressure testing idea

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: water in lower unit

I would start troubleshooting with the easiest and cheapest things first.
Pressure test as described earlier and new drain / fill screws with new seals on them may be all it needs. I prefer the drain / fill screws with the allen wrench head on them. Much more user friendly.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: water in lower unit

Water in the LU would not cause the prop shaft to be bent ... hitting something hard would. If you're thinking of taking the LU apart, get an OEM shop manual so you have some idea what you're getting in to.

 

[Draven1772]

Re: water in lower unit

If you're thinking of taking the LU apart, get an OEM shop manual so you have some idea what you're getting in to.

I can't stress enough about what he said. Get a manual! They aren't that expensive and you will need it taking apart the LU. When I worked on my first boat about 15 years ago, I didn't use a manual and ended up with a big mess. It cost me over $1000 to fix my mess and get the boat running right. If I had a manual, I would have saved myself a lot of time and money.