1972 Evinrude 18 - question on lower unit seals

[Total Basshole]

I am a new poster here trying to learn my engine. I recently got 1972 Evinrude 18 that has been sitting unused in the water for a few years (on a man made lake in the desert). I have been working to get her running smoothly. On the lower unit I noticed the washers on the drain plugs were leaking oil. I pulled off the lower plug, and from what I can tell from research, the oil should not have drained out until I pulled the top plug. The oil did drain out of the bottom hole, but the bigger issue was that when the oil started draining with the top plug still in, I had the water drain hole on the lower unit spit out some water mixed with black crap. I am wondering if this means the upper seals in the lower unit need to be replaced? I am guessing the air that leaked in that allowed the oil to drain was being pulled in from the upper seal and that somehow it released that oily water.

If I do have to pull the lower unit and replace the seals, can anyone give me some guidance on what problems I am going to run into? I am hearing that I cant remove the shift rod without taking the reverse gear off completly. I dont want to get into something I cant get myself out of.

Thanks in advance,

 

[F_R]

Re: 1972 Evinrude 18 - question on lower unit seals

So was there any water in the lower unit? If not, I'd say you are good to go. I can't rationalize any thinking along the line you suggest. Besides, oil will drain out the lower plug with the upper one still in. That's why you have to be quick when reinstalling the plug when refilling.

Now what's this stuff about the reverse gear? Nonsense. However, you do have to disassemble the lower unit if you want to replace all the seals.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1972 Evinrude 18 - question on lower unit seals

I would try replacing the washers on the drain and vent screws and see what happens. Make sure to remove any old washers/residue before installing the new. Sometimes it's necessary to pick the old out with a small screwdriver. If they've been in there for years, they get pretty hard.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1972 Evinrude 18 - question on lower unit seals

+1. Here's a link that can walk you through an entire reseal job. It's not that bad. You can get a reseal kit right here at iboats for about $25. You'll also need and oil seal puller ($10 from any auto store) and some 3M 847 gasket sealant which you may be able to get at Grainger's and/or online.

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/johnson-evinrude-parts.php?year=1972&hp=18&model=18203R (parts catalog)
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=277190&highlight=lower+unit+seal+kit+installation

 

[Total Basshole]

Re: 1972 Evinrude 18 - question on lower unit seals

There was water mixed with the oil in the lower unit when I originally drained it. I did change the plastic seals but they still leaked slightly so i switched them with rubber o-rings and it sealed up nicely. I was able to get the motor fired up twice yesterday and it ran for a while both times. Had a good amount of water coming out so the cooling system seems to be functioning fine. The debris and black gunk that was draining out of the water drain holes seemed to clear up so I am thinking it was just residual dirt and oil from sitting so long in the water.

I just need to adjust the slow speed idle and I think I have a working motor! ($350 for the boat , motor and trailer just became the deal of the century!)

I am not really worried about the seals anymore, but thanks for the link. I am sure I will have to replace them sometime so it will be helpful.