varnish_freak wrote:
I have a '54 Johnson FD-12 which I recently rebuilt pretty much from
the head down.
I've got it running and it seems to be doing just fine on the upper
end. But I've had to take the lower unit apart three times now because
I'm getting water in the gear case. I have replaced all the seals, the
impeller, and even the impeller housing but somehow there's still water
sneaking in.
Anyone out there have experience with old outboards of this vintage?
Any ideas on how I can stop the flood?
Your thoughts would be much appreciated.
Thanks much!


The first course of action would be to pressure test the gearcase,
before going in blind again.

It should hold 4-7 psi for two hours, but at the rate you are
describing, the leak should be obvious. Submerge it under pressure if
it isn't. Work the prop shaft, driveshaft, and shift shaft while testing.

Rob