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Name:	wishin4fishin -	Reply
Subject:	leaking oil
Date:	3/22/2013 9:46:31 AM

I have a Johnson Tracker 40hp 2-stroke circa early 1980's. When I tilt the motor up, oil leaks out of the little weep hole just above the lower unit (where water normally comes out). Could this be a seal issue? Thanks for y'all's anticipated response.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	leaking oil
Date:	3/22/2013 5:52:04 PM

Maybe an answer

"That should be normal. If it smells like gas it is normal. In the barrel, burned and unburned oil collects inside the leg. That weep hole is there to drain water after the engine is used to prevent corrosion and/or freezing damage.

Because the oil was mixed with water, it will look milky and abnormal. If it smells like auto rear end oil (sulphur) then look for a leaking drive shaft seal."

I am sure Cat or HPQ or another expert will give you a good diagnosis.

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	leaking oil
Date:	3/22/2013 6:27:54 PM

Most likely, the lower unit seal has dried, or been pushed out from cold expanding water. It is located under the water pump Impeller plate. It begins to leak into the water transfer housing, or in some cases the exhaust tower. Have repairs made now, so that you don't have further damage. Should be no big deal.

Respectfully,
Steve

URL: Cathouse Marine

Name:	wishin4fishin -	Reply
Subject:	leaking oil
Date:	3/22/2013 6:44:14 PM

Unfortunately, it smells like lower unit oil. Thought maybe the seal had dried out after non-use, but it sounds like a replacement project. Probably not a bad thing since I have never replaced the water pump impeller in the 20 or so years I've owned it. Thanks for the tip. I may be calling you, Cat.
Thanks, again. W4F

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	leaking oil
Date:	3/23/2013 10:26:03 AM

20 years? Thats a long time. Thanks.
Steve

Name:	wishin4fishin -	Reply
Subject:	leaking oil
Date:	3/23/2013 3:37:58 PM

Yeah, I know. Always pumped water so I never saw a reason to replace it. Probably not too smart.

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	leaking oil
Date:	4/2/2013 5:31:29 PM

Is it possible that the seal on the shift rod has slipped out of place or decayed?

Name:	wishin4fishin -	Reply
Subject:	leaking oil
Date:	4/3/2013 1:23:05 PM

That's exactly what happened. I decided to tackle the project myself so I bought the gearbox seal kit and the water pump kit. After dropping the lower unit out, I found the little O-ring on the the shift rod had rotted out. Replaced that and a few more seals and water pump when I was in there and all is well!