Older 6hp Johnson - Oil Leak Between Upper and Lower Unit

[zvejnieks]

Hi and happy new year to all!
I am looking to purchase an older (1987?) Johnson 6hp outboard. The seller provided a picture that showed 3 small streams of dark green liquid coming from the joint between the upper and lower units. Any ideas what this might be and potential cost to remedy (if needed)?

Thank you,

 

[F_R]

Not a problem if it is what you say. Could be excess fuel mix or fogging oil or? That joint is not sealed and anything coming out there was headed back to the sea anyway.

Question is, why is so much oil in there anyway?

 

[Crosbyman]

overdone winterize fog oil in cylinders ?

 

[saltchuckmatt]

Anyway we can see the picture? That would help. By the way those 87 are my favorite motors. They come with the manual primer and not a choke. A better way of running in a cold start situation in my humble opinion.

 

[zvejnieks]

I've attached a picture

 

[racerone]

Gears / bearings / lower unit parts are very expensive if available.-----Install a seal kit.----Use 2 -o-rings on the shift rod.

 

[saltchuckmatt]

Racer has a point but if your not mechanical or knowledgeable in how to take it apart I would just do a pressure/vacuum test and change the gearcase oil. By they way, that's the gearcase to midsection connection and you see all kinds of things dripping out of that area. Tough little motors so unless it was really mistreated your probably fine.

By the book, pull the GC, replace the water pump, seals and oil.....re-assemble.

 

[racerone]

If you cannot afford to do a little bit of easy maintenance, you cannot afford a new motor !

 

[zvejnieks]

If you cannot afford to do a little bit of easy maintenance, you cannot afford a new motor !

So I am a bit confused... Is the leaking green liquid, gearcase oil? Therefore, the appropriate seal may be leaking... And the pressure test would confirm the leaky seal?

 

[Crosbyman]

try this.......... 2 screws to remove if it leaks it neads a reseal....

add GC oil from the bottom up.... replace with new nylon washers when done.

you tubes can help you on the reseal

....some just replace GC oil mid season if not a basket case

Danbar pressure test - Search Videos

www.bing.com

 

[saltchuckmatt]

Just to confirm, you were looking to buy.....I wouldnt let this issue stop me from buying it. You might want to do a compression test and look for any obvious corrosion.

 

[QBhoy]

I’d just ask the guy. He may just have changed the gear oil right before. It’s a messy carry on. Or it’s 2 stroke oil.

 

[Vic.S]

So I am a bit confused... Is the leaking green liquid, gearcase oil? Therefore, the appropriate seal may be leaking... And the pressure test would confirm the leaky seal?

You are looking at the the oil leaking in this area?



That is almost certainly oil from the fuel, or perhaps as suggested excess oil from winterising.
As said there is no gasket in that joint so oil seepage is normal and nothing to worry about.

If you cannot confirm that the gearcase oil has been renewed do that before using, Also as suggested the water pump impeller.

Gear case oil should remain "clear and bright". If it becomes milky looking it indicates water intrusion and new seals are needed.