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1979 Johnson 88Spl getting a wet foot

Popawilly

Popawilly

New member
I just picked up this boat about 2 weeks ago and the lower unit is getting a small amount of water in the oil. I've been around boats most of my life but this is my first outboard. How much water is too much? When I drained the oil, the first thing that came out was about an ounce of water then slightly milky oil. I ran the motor at the lake*with new oil in it and after a 20 minute total run time then*drained it agan to check. About the same amount of water was in it as before. I checked the seal at the prop and it looks ok. Is it more common for the water to be coming in through the drive shaft than the prop shaft? I hooked a brake line bleeder to pull a vaccuum on the foot and it was leaking down*5 in.Hg in 20 seconds.*Is that really bad? I put oil around the prop seal and it didn't make any difference in the leak down time. I haven't pulled the*lower unit off yet because I'd like to go fishing this weekend and I'm not sure what end to work on to order the*parts needed. If it is the drive shaft side I'll put in a new water pump while I'm in there.**Any info would be helpful. Thanks.
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1979-----88 HP ???---------------What is the model # ??---------------------There should be no water in lower units , they are sealed.
 
No special tools-------------------The trick might be disconnecting the shift rod below the bottom carburetor.------------Be sure to remove the bolt hidden by the trim tab-------------------Do not turn shift rod during your work !!
 
Thanks for the heads up on the shift rod. Is it easy to turn accidentally? Is there a way to secure it so it doesn't turn or do I just need go be aware of it and be careful? Thanks.
 
Measure it in nuetral.--------------Housing to the hole.------------------Re-install it with the same measurement.
 
The usual leakage problem is a worn upper driveshaft bearing under the water pump assembly.

Applying 7 to 12 psi of air to the drained unit, then applying a slight bit of sideways presure to the driveshaft usually reveals that leaksge.
 
joereeves said:
The usual leakage problem is a worn upper driveshaft bearing under the water pump assembly.

Applying 7 to 12 psi of air to the drained unit, then applying a slight bit of sideways presure to the driveshaft usually reveals that leaksge.
Click to expand...

I was afraid of that. I had hoped it was the prop end. Easier to get to. Thanks for the info.
 
I decided to start with the prop seals. The lower unit is still on the motor and I cannot get the bearing housing out. I've put lots of PB Blaster to try to loosen it up. I'm afraid I'm going to strip the thresds on the bearing housing removal holes. I put as much pressure on it as I can and tapped the puller with a hammer and still it won't budge. Anyone have any ideas before I resort to C4. I know that will get it out but might defeat the purpous. It is starting to get personal. I'm only this close to being able to replace the seals. I DON'T want to pay the price a shop wants for the job. I'm almost to the point of letting them do it. :(
 
If you're sure that the large O Ring on the carrier assembly isn't the leakage problem..... by using a old thin sharp tipped screwdriver, and being quite carefull, those two propshaft seals can be pried out. However, it does require some patience and a few well choosen words :) .

Instead of using that old method of removing the carrier (threading the bolt holes, etc), it's better to use a heavy duty slide hammer with the pulling end curved in order to grab hold of the carrier portion closest to the propeller.

If you haven't been applring heat with a hand held propane torch to the lower unit areas that the carrier actually touches, do so as that does work wonders.
 
WOOOOHOOOO! The torch got it done. All prop seals are new and it is ready for a lake test. I hope to get it in the water tomorrow. I have a new water intake screen to install so I will be putting in a new water pump too while the lower unit is off. All the plastic pieces in the screen are broken out so I've been avoiding running the motor any where near grass and such. Thanks a bunch for the help.
 
I already have the new one. I just haven't got around to installing it yet. I had to get the prop seals done first. It will be next on the agenda with the water pump.
 
Still leaking. I've got the water pump and drive shaft seals ordered. I hope to have a good report next week. The water pump looked pretty heat damaged. Lots of sand in there when I pulled the lower unit. Hope all is good.
 
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