Lower Unit Question

[beckleybassfanatic]

When changing my lower unit fluid a week ago I noticed the old fluid draining out was a primer gray color and super thick, also had a horrible burnt smell...Keep in mind that I do change my fluid once a year...Motor is a 2004 Johnson 175hp (J175GLSRM)...Im guessing there is prolly a leak somewhere, letting water into my oil...If so, is it simple to change the seals in the lower unit?...I would also like to go ahead and change the impeller in it...I found all the kits on the evinrude website...Im not a mechanic, but just enjoy working on my own projects...I have been using the Johnson/Evinrude HPF30 (Pro) fluid....The drain plug had almost no shavings on it, but the top plug had more...Sound correct?...

[gearcaseman]

Two things stick out as red flags. The burnt smell is never a good sign, and the shavings could indicate more than just normal wear. If you're going to go into the case for seals, I think it would be wise to complete the teardown and inspect everything. It's not a big job if you have the proper tools and a manual to help you along.

[ChampioNman]

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=626222


That tells how to change the seals on the RBC.

This one tells you how to remove the lower unit and replace the pump.

http://www.bassboatcentral.com/johnrudetips.htm

There is one more seal that should be changed, that is the seal under the water pump plate and it is on the drive shaft bearing housing. You'll need to remove the 4 bolts that secure it to the lower unit.

[beckleybassfanatic]

what could cause the burnt smell?...the other seal your talking about, is it inside the lower unit?...i know theres 2 pcs on the outside of the motor just above the lower unit that has 4 bolts attaching them...if not, what are they???

[gearcaseman]

The burnt smell is caused by high friction of something inside the case that's too tight. The seal Fred mentioned is in the center of the driveshaft bearing carrier. That's the piece that is held in place by the 4 3/8 bolts you see right under the water pump.