50's Johnson 7.5 water leak

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PAUL577

Cadet
Joined
Sep 10, 2012
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10
I just picked up a 57 Johnson 7.5hp motor & 3gl pressure gas tank on craigs list. This little motor is clean, original and runs great. I did notice as I ran it in a tank this past weekend it drips just a little water from the shift lever shaft while running. its runing. Its by no means a major leak at all. Just a drip or so every few seconds.
Is this a major issue ? I reall don't want to tear into. But I will if I should.
Thanks in advance, paul
 
nwcove

nwcove

Admiral
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May 16, 2011
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6,293
Re: 50's Johnson 7.5 water leak

Its not usually a big deal. I have a few that do the same thing. But if you dont know when the impeller was changed, replace the impeller and put a new oring on the shift lever while you have it apart.
 
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PAUL577

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Sep 10, 2012
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Re: 50's Johnson 7.5 water leak

You bet. I'll order a impeller today and replace that o-ring at the same time. I only ran it for about 5min. It was shooting water pretty good but I know its the right thing to do. Its just to nice to burn up.
 
HighTrim

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
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Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Re: 50's Johnson 7.5 water leak

Adding grease usually slows/stops the leak until you get the powerhead off. It is pretty common, no worries, and is easily changed once the powerhead is off to change the impeller as mentioned. You did know you have to pull the powerhead to drop the gearcase right?

Not a big deal, very easy. Have a new base gasket on hand though, they never seem to stay intact to be able to be reused.
 
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PAUL577

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Sep 10, 2012
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10
Re: 50's Johnson 7.5 water leak

Thanks Chris,
I've changed a few over the years but they were all in newer motors. I've never had to remove a power head but I don't expect any problems. I'm still a little new to these old motors. I'm just amazed at how well they were built. In a world of what I call "throw away junk" Its cool to tinker with something that was built to last. I even look at the pressure fuel tank and think if this tank was produced today it would cost $400.
I just found a thread with a link to some step by step directons on this exact subject. Its for a 5.5hp but I'm guessing its about the same process.
Take care, Paul
 
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