Lower Unit Gear Oil Running Temp ?

[zerstört]

Hi all I have a 1966 Johnson 40hp Outboard
And I’m trying to install a oil Temp sensor on the Lower Unit I’m going to drill through the Skag and pop it in there seal it up and run the wire up the back of the lower Unit I’m just not sure what the running temp is on the 40hp I can’t find anything online I’m also adding it to my 1968 Johnson 9.5 and my little 1972 ted Williams 4.5hp. (the reason is I live on the Boarder of NB Canada and it gets cold here really cold down to -40 Fahrenheit easy during winter so I’m worried my old seals are going to give out and I have some leaks already (I’m fixing) but I want to be able to monitor it so I don’t Fry the lower unit and mostly I think it would be a cool upgrade) just an excuse for another Autometer Gauge I was going to use the oil temp gauge but I might need to use the liquid temp gauge depending on the running temp

Thanks

 

[Crosbyman]

at -40 F I would have it stored away till Spring time and replace gear oil before putting it to bed .

 

[jimmbo]

All of the Outboards and I/Os. myself and Family have had over the last 60 yrs have been kept outside in temps that have dropped to less than -35. Never burst any Seals. What in the world does having a temp sensor in the Oil do, that having a Thermometer next to the Gearcase wouldn't? Get a Temperature Gun, and you can take reading to your hearts content, without butchering the Gearcase. Cool? NOT! You can use the Motor is subfreezing temps as long as the Water isn't frozen, just make sure that the Gearcase remains in the water, and when you do remove the boat from the water, make sure all the water has drained from the Pump and Water Passages

 

[zerstört]

at -40 F I would have it stored away till Spring time and replace gear oil before putting it to bed .

When it gets that cold I won’t run it haha
But I get as close as I can.
and that’s a good idea to change the gear oil it before storing it.

 

[zerstört]

All of the Outboards and I/Os. myself and Family have had over the last 60 yrs have been kept outside in temps that have dropped to less than -35. Never burst any Seals. What in the world does having a temp sensor in the Oil do, that having a Thermometer next to the Gearcase wouldn't? Get a Temperature Gun, and you can take reading to your hearts content, without butchering the Gearcase. Cool? NOT! You can use the Motor is subfreezing temps as long as the Water isn't frozen, just make sure that the Gearcase remains in the water, and when you do remove the boat from the water, make sure all the water has drained from the Pump and Water Passages

Well that makes me feel alittle better but it sounds to me like you have regularly maintained equipment and not worn out abused equipment like mine I’m saving up for a newer or better taken care of outboard
But for now this is what I got

And I see your side of the argument i personally like things customized and upgraded but that’s me (my dad is always saying “if it’s not broke don’t fix it”) but just like with my old Porsche I like to know when I’m pushing the limits that everything’s ok or I can tell from the gauges and sensors I’ve installed that something definitely not good I need to baby it till I can fix it later or stop immediately anyways I’m also going to be doing some long distance boating with my little boat through Canada and hopefully to Greenland And want and need to know these old machines are doing ok i see what your saying and I do have a temp gun in the tool box but I just like knowing on the fly what my exact readings are without having to climb to the back dodging waves and such and I’m not using a good skag I found a couple from a garage sale and online that have been cracked or damaged so I was going to repair them and then drill the hole in those ones if that makes you feel any better

But I’ll definitely make sure when I am in cold cold water to check that it’s drained all the way thanks for the input and advice

 

[jimmbo]

When in use, the Gear Oil Temp is regulated by the Water the Motor is passing through. In most cases the Oil is 75-90 weight. Your plan is to drill it in the Skeg, and then seal it. So how are you getting the Info from the Sender? Wires sticking out are going to cause Turbulence, in front of the Prop. In the end, you will just be taking the Temp of the Water. Better is the Worst Enemy of Good, so if it's not broke...

 

[racerone]

The gearcase on an outboard appears to be water cooled when operating.-----A temperature gauge on the gear oil is severe overkill.------Take lower unit apart.----Inspect gears / bearings.----Install seal kit .----Pressure test fill with good oil and go boating.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Just replace the seals and use a good marine gear oil.

you are overthinking it.

gear oil temp will only be 1 or 2 degrees above the water temp while operating, and will be water temp when stationary.

so if the water isnt frozen, the water in your leaking gearcase isnt frozen.

a temp sender wont tell you that its water in the gear case.

back to replacing the seals to keep water out.

 

[tphoyt]

Sounds like you just going to make more problems for yourself. Jmo

 

[KJM]

"I’m also going to be doing some long distance boating with my little boat through Canada and hopefully to Greenland" That line from "Jaws" comes to mind....you need a bigger boat (and newer motor)!

 

[racerone]

Do you know how far ( up to 400 miles or more ) it is to cross to Greenland ?----How much fuel can you carry ?----Prepared to possibly travel in the dark ??