1988 johnson 48 gear oil running down skeg?!?!

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adamst

Cadet
Joined
May 10, 2010
Messages
19
Hello,

I have a 1988 johnson 48 spl I have had the boat in the garage for a few weeks now working on replacing the floor. I walked around the back side of the boat yesterday and the was a smaller puddle of oil on the floor and it is coming from the prop and running down the skeg! I winterized the boat like i do every winter drained the gear oil and replaced with new and there was no water in the old gear when i changed it for the winter hibernation. (that i noticed) could it be the prop shaft seal maybe any way to tell any thoughts would be great!!!!!!!!!
 
R

rscholar

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 9, 2009
Messages
76
Re: 1988 johnson 48 gear oil running down skeg?!?!

I bought a 1982 25 HP this fall, with gear oil running out of the propeller area. I removed the bottom of the lower unit, found two (2) bad propeller seals. For less than $20, I found and replaced both seals, and so far no more leaking. I really won't know more until Spring here in Michigan, but I think that replacing those 2 seals solved my motor problem.
 
5150abf

5150abf

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 12, 2007
Messages
5,808
Re: 1988 johnson 48 gear oil running down skeg?!?!

Pull the prop and take a peek, you may find a giant wad of fishing line or something.

At least you found it now and not when you went to change your oil next and only got water out.
 
S

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: 1988 johnson 48 gear oil running down skeg?!?!

Are you sure its gear oil?Very often exhaust residue will appear to be a gear lube leak.
Residue will smell gassy.Gear oil the distinct gear oil smell.
If you have a leaky seal you'll usually find water in the gearcase and or milky oil.
 
A

adamst

Cadet
Joined
May 10, 2010
Messages
19
Re: 1988 johnson 48 gear oil running down skeg?!?!

Sorry i havent gotten back in a while looked a little closer and yes it is leaking from the prop area. And there is no water in the gear case i drained it out and it was nice clean gear oil still. Are these seals hard to replace and where can i get them.
 
B

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: 1988 johnson 48 gear oil running down skeg?!?!

I'll go along with Steel, It could be exhaust oil coming from winterizing.
 
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