I have a 1988 175 Johnson (with VRO) that leaks oil down the outside of the mid sec and lower unit. It has been like that for years. It does it mostly when you lay it up. If you run it often it doesn't leak much - but I think it is time to fix it. I can't find out where the leak is coming from??? Got any ideas where I can start to look??
When you say lay it up do you mean it is tilted forward?---it may be the oil running out of the carbs into the air box and then out into the pan under the engine----remove the airbox on top of carbs and see if there is a lot of oil in there--if so it is normal---just clean out the airbox and lower engine cowl pans---do this every so often to keep mess to a minimum------my old 82 model 85 hp rude used to do the same thing and a lot of other guys have asked this same question on the boards----hope this helps
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if i am wrong, somebody please correct my statements or just tell me to shut up and go back to dragging the luggage
Yep, it is the powerhead to mid-section gasket. Head has to come off and replace with a new gasket, no sealant. Only use a drop to keep it from falling off the studs. A PITA to do but your motor will be Oh so happy when you do it. CM
THANKS GUYS - It will do this when I lay it up for the winter and does it a bit all season long. Motor is mostly left tilted down. How do I verify the gasket leak - take the cowl off and then side panels off and look around the mid sec to powerhead area?? Clean it and then wait and see for more???
Nope when you run it and you are at the house all of the oily stuff will drip down the outside of the mid-section, you can try and re-torque the PH bolts but chances are good it is shot. Gasket is about $15 bad thing is if you have a shop do it 4-6 hours labor. You have to disconnect the shift linkage and all the stuff going to the block. CM
Check the exhaust plate on the back of the motor also.
Rusty - Do you mean the 1/2 bell shaped thing between the 2 sets of heads back there?? When i bought the motor in 1990 we had a water leak there but managed to fix it by tightning the bolts --- could it be now leaking oil there???
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