1982 Johnson, 7.5hp Lower Unit Seals

[jgmcbee]

When winterizing my Model 8RCNR 7.5hp Johnson, I found that the lower unit grease (oil?) was milky, indicating the presence of some water.
I don't want to do a complete teardown of the unit. What seals/gaskets should be replaced? Should I install a impeller kit while I have it apart?
I'm new at this and this is my first post!

 

[Vic.S]

Re: 1982 Johnson, 7.5hp Lower Unit Seals

It could be merely the sealing washers on the drain and level plugs if old ones have been reused ( But I'm not admitting to how many times mine have been reused without being the cause of water ingress)

Most likely place is the propshaft oil seals because they is easily damaged by fishing line etc.
(They at least you can replace without removing the unit)

It could be the drive shaft seals. The are located below the water pump so a great deal of sense in doing them and the water pump impeller at the same time.

It could even be the seal on the shift rod


If you drop the LU to do the pump and or drive shaft seals connect a hose to the water tube and make sure you can get a good water flow. The grommet at the top of the water tube causes me recurring problems on an '84 6hp.

Exploded diagram of gear case HERE

#2 and #3 are the propshaft seals

#27 are the drive shaft seals

And yes the unit should contain oil, not grease. it requires a standard high viscosity outboard gear oil

BTW welcome and congrats on a sensibly worded and correctly posted first post with an informative title.

 

[jgmcbee]

Re: 1982 Johnson, 7.5hp Lower Unit Seals

Thank you Lt. Commander. I have read in several forums about nighmare attempts to remove the propshaft seals of an outboard. Specialized or homemade tools were required. Some suggested drilling holes in the outer rim of the bearing to insert puller screws, etc. What might I expect on this model Johnson?

 

[Vic.S]

Re: 1982 Johnson, 7.5hp Lower Unit Seals

I have pulled seals out with screws driven into them on cars where a lot of dismantling would have been necessary to do it any other way but the Gearcase head assy #1 should come of without too much difficulty provided the screws are not seized in. Then you can knock the seals out.

Last time i did this with mine it was so difficult to knock the seals out that I don't think I'd have been able to pull them out with screws.

Not needed any special tools yet! Homemade or other wise. Maybe I should turn up a drift to knock them out more easily.