Need help with lower unit?

[pasportsman]

I have a 1998 Johnson 48hp Ser. No. G03976934.<br /><br />On my last trip out, my speed was not what it should be 13mph....I usually get 25pmh. Last year I had a powerpack problem and thought it was the same problem, but I have checked the engine and it is running great.<br /><br />I then started checking the lower unit and found fishing line wrapped around the prop shaft. I check the oil and it has water in it. I know I need to change the seals on the shaft, but will new seals and oil fix the problem? or Does the loss of speed mean that I have more internal troubles and need to do more work.<br /><br />I have a Seloc repair manual for the motor, but the lower unit looks quite complicated and I only want to tear it apart if it is necessary.<br /><br />Any help I can get will greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[joe_morgan]

Re: Need help with lower unit?

Welcome to Iboats.<br /><br />Do you have a Tacho. Is it getting to full throttle? What did you do when you checked the engine?<br /><br />Joe

 

[pasportsman]

Re: Need help with lower unit?

The motor would reach around 4200RPMS as usual. <br />I checked the spark at both cylinders and the engine sounds as if it is running well. The fuel is good and the lines are good. The vent cap was open. When I ran it at full throttle it sounded like it wanted to go put I could not get speed. I took about 50 to 60 yards of fishing line off the prop shaft and it was wedged into the seal.

 

[fireman57]

Re: Need help with lower unit?

Changes these seals is not bad and your Seloc manual should be okay for this job. Just take your time and when you run into something you are not sure of post the problem and someone will be there. It won't be as bad as you think. Just don't run the engine with crappy LU fluid. While you are in there go ahead and replace the water pump impeller.

 

[pasportsman]

Re: Need help with lower unit?

Thanks fireman57<br /><br />I will get a seals kit and impeller. <br /><br />I didn't think anything else should be bad as I found no metalic shavings in the oil, but I wasn't sure if the bad seal,fishing line and water were enough to cause a loss of speed.<br /><br />I will change the parts and give it a try.<br /><br />Thanks again