1979 Johnson 55HP lower unit oil leak

[Philbrook]

Started up the motor to see if the starter would engage and when the motor started firing lower unit oil started leaking out the weep hole below the water intake. There was significant water inside the lower unit after draining. About a month earlier I replaced the water pump, and also the seals have never been replaced on the motor from what the seller has told me. What seals would be causing this and could the water pump play role in the leaking?

 

[racerone]

No doubt about it you need a complete seal kit.----Do them all as the are all worn.----------Cheaper than the price of gears / bearings and shafts.------Have you priced those items lately ?

 

[Boobie]

Have the lower unit pressure and vacuum checked before tearing it down. That way you'll know exactly where it's leaking.

 

[Philbrook]

Pricing on the items for a complete seal kit is not as much as I thought. I'm gonna replace them all to be safe and use soapy water and about 6psi air blown into the unit to see if it leaks after. Also a new needle bearing.

 

[Boobie]

You should use about 12 psi of air for final testing. It also should be vacuum checked.