Lower Unit – water everywhere

I hooked up the earmuffs to the lower unit and had water seeping out in places it looked like it shouldnt. It looks like there may be a seal where the lower unit bolts on. I did hit something last year with the lower unit but only some minor damage to the prop. The shaft looks like it is spinning straight without warp. There was some water mixed in the the lower unit gear lube when I drained it.

I assume it will get worse & lock up if I push my luck & try to drive it as-is. Any reputable mechanics in the north metro/twin cities area? Any idea on what kind of costs on this type of repair?

Do you have water in the lower unit oil?

-J.

Not sure of your experience with outboards but I remember having the exact same concern. I gurantee water comes out from some odd crevices. Not just hub and pee hole. However you already have identified an issue and should focus on the lower unit oil. Once that stays clean you know you have no issues.

ps-for more detailed info about crevices see Brian K……

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ps-for more detailed info about crevices see Brian K……

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Are you sure you want to send him over to have Brian inspect his crevice?

Sounds like the muffs were loose.Try rigging a bunji cord to it to tighten it on the lower unit.Turn the water about 1/2 to 3/4 way then try and start the motor and see what happens. Paul

Water does spray everywhere with the muffs due to the imperfect seal.

If you changed the gear lube last Fall and noticed milky color or water in the lube, you may have an issue. The water will come out first as it is more dense than the oil and will sit at the bottom of the gear case. If you did not change the lower unit oil, last fall, you likely cracked or damaged your lower unit if it froze.

It could be a simple seal replacement or it good be a bigger issue. Touching something with minor issues to the non-stainless prop will not usually cause you any issues. A bent prop shaft will be the result of touching something with stainless prop.

My seals go out occasionaly due to braid line cutting the prop seals. I check my prop after I run on Minnetonka and other Metro Lakes.

They also rot over time. So, if it is an older motor, this could be the result.

What kind of motor is it?

Dog.

There is one flange on my 150 johnson where the water will come out where it comes together and this is OK because the seal is internal. Like others have said, the test is if you have water in your oil.

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What kind of motor is it?

Dog.

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1993 Johnson Fastrike 175

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ps-for more detailed info about crevices see Brian K……

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Are you sure you want to send him over to have Brian inspect his crevice?

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Water, Oil & Crevices.. All in the same post. I thought this was a family show.. Here’s my crevice

Thanks for all the advice. I’ve got some good starting points to check.

I thought you said clevis……. not crevice. Is that where stink bait comes from????

TEDNUGGENT> I hit a wingdam rock and as you may remember I have that exact motor. To fix the prop, all the seals and (I bent the shaft) the bill is going to be about 1800$$$ But because I hit something my insurance is covering all but my deductible (250$)…I’m also paying for a new H2O impeller, figured while they’re there, ‘git ‘er done’! If you hit something, call your insurance provider..

Thanks !!!

Not sure on this problem but a guy posted on a local fishing forum here and said what happened to his lower unit. He left his tilted up just enough that when it snowed or icy rains ran down off the motor case and filled the crevice behind the prop with water. Then it froze a few days later and cracked his lower unit behind the prop where he said it couldn’t be seen until he started it up a few days ago and had water and oily liquid running all over the lower unit and around the muffs. Not saying this could happen but it kinda makes sense about it freezing. Good luck in getting yours fixed.