Re: Does 2000 Johnson 130 have lower unit problems?
I have an 2001 Evinrude Ficht 150. I burned through two lower units in the first 100-150 hrs. I think the first one went around 50 hrs. The cause is a manufacturing defect when hardening the pinion gear. I cought both failures before I got stuck out at sea. You can hear a tapping sound when running around 2-3K RPMs. At no wake speed you don't hear it, well at least I didn't let it get to that point. If you pull the check screw for the lower unit oil, you will find a mess of metal stuck to the magnet. A sure sign of the problem. I only have about 15 hrs on the last one they installed. The fluid looked fine when I brought it in for winterization. Bombardiar has directed dealers to replace the lower units automaticaly if over 20hrs with a lower unit failure. Bombardier has started production of their own units as of October of this year. I still have 1 more year of warranty, so if it goes again I can expect to get a good one next time.<br />What a mess, the last thing you want to be worrying about 30+ miles from home is your brand new engine blowing a gear, or anything else for that matter. I had the oil sensor go this past summer. Because I didn't know it was just the sensor giving me a NO OIL light and horn I called for a tow. It took 7 hrs to get towed home from the first call. Made the call to Tow Boat US at 4:30. Got back to the marina after midnight. All over a sensor!
