Johnson 150hp Lower Unit Question

[rdgallo]

I have a 1994 Johnson FastStrike 150 hp engine. Prior to the 2016 boating season, I had the water pump impeller replaced and the lower unit oil changed. I used the boat two weeks during the 2016 season (approximately 10-20 hours run time). I just drained the lower unit oil and it was kind of a gold color, which to me would indicate water intrusion? The outboard has not been operated since last Sept. So, it has set unused for about 9 months. When I first opened the drain port, no water ran out. It was just this golden colored lube oil. Would water stay saturated into the oil even after sitting for 9 months? Usually the oil when drained looks like one would expect the oil to look. I took the prop off and found no fishing line wrapped around the shaft. I inspected the drain and fill plug gaskets and they looked fine, but I did replace them after refilling the gearcase with new oil. The fill and drain plugs were very easy to loosen, so am wondering if maybe water got in through those? Anyway, should I just go ahead and run the engine on my one week vacation this fall and then dump the oil to inspect or should I take it to a dealer to have it looked at? Thanks for any help you provide.

 

[jakedaawg]

Have it pressure tested.

 

[ondarvr]

It's not uncommon for water to leak around the old gaskets used on the drain and fill plugs, probably more common than seal leaks.

​Pressure testing can be quick and simple, but to do it properly the lower unit needs to be removed, so..

​You can replace the gaskets, fill it with new oil, then check after the first day of vacation, if it still leaks you can drain and refill as needed during the vacation. This works if you have it on the trailer when not in use.

 

[Chris1956]

If the gear lube is clear (not cloudy), there is no water mixed in with it. Gear lube comes in different colors, but they are all clear when clean and new.