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Lower unit leak

B

Billyclub

New member
Hello everyone. I’m new to the forum and have a question. I own 2 1998 J200TXECM motors. Im have a problem with the port lower unit for several years now. There is a leak somewhere because everytime I chenge the lower unit oil the first few ounces are water. I have had the lower unit resealed by an OMC dealer and then I did it last winter. I took the lower uit off the motor and took it back to the dealer to see if they can find the problem. They called me yesterday and told me it held pressure for 3 days and then they put a vaccum pressure on it and that held also. When I pulled tyhe drain plug there were some small metal shavings that came out with the oil. Im haveing them remove the bearing carrier to have a look. They and I are stumped as to the source of the leak. Any thoughts?
Glenn

Johnson 1998 J200TXECM
 
My bet would be the shift rod cover.----Originally they used 1 o-ring in there and new covers now use 2 O-rings.----Is the shift rod cover flat ?---Was it refinished with some 220 paper on glass ?
 
If it passes the pressure tests the only place it could be leaking is where the tester was hooked up. Clean the drain and fill plug sealing surfaces good and change the nylon washers every other oil change. Use a hand impact driver to get the plugs nice and tight!
 
You need to spin the shafts and shift gears while doing the pressure/soap test. Always spin the driveshaft clockwise when the impeller is installed.
 
racerone said:
My bet would be the shift rod cover.----Originally they used 1 o-ring in there and new covers now use 2 O-rings.----Is the shift rod cover flat ?---Was it refinished with some 220 paper on glass ?
Click to expand...

I dont recall if it was flat. I know I replaced the O-ring when I had it apart
 
Two part driveshaft and there could be misalignment between powerhead and lower unit.----Pressure test with lower unit on the motor.
 
I stopped by the outboard shop and they state that they have been moving then shaft when it was pressurized. They have since moved on and removed the bearing carrier. The metal shavings are from a very small chip out of one of the teeth in the drive shaft. Shop says to leave alone and run it because its so small. They said the gears are sold in sets so if you need to buy one you buy the set. Because of this they said run it and mayb e you’ll get a season or two out of it.
Is this lower u nit one that requires hypoid gear oil? What is a good gear lube for this LU and viscosity?
 
??----Perhaps the exhaust housing is bent.-----Not something the average owner can fix.----I am not there to look at your lower unit / sealing work.
 
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