Topic: 50’s Johnson gear lube substitute? – Antique Outboard Motor Club,Inc

This topic has 11 replies, 11 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 7 months ago by The Boat House.

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September 17, 2017 at 4:11 pm #8253
twostroke
Participant
I’m putting together the lower unit of one of my 5 1/2 Johnsons this afternoon (a CD-11). Original owner’s manual says 90W gear lube…..and it smelled like that’s exactly what it had in it. I have tubes of modern stuff I keep around for my non-electric shift pontoon boat motor. Is that ok, or should I wait and get something else? I want to do it ‘right’…it’s a really nice old motor.

Thanks!

Jim

I say "pardon me" a lot. I had a 20H, then raced open mod sleds.
September 17, 2017 at 4:15 pm #65031
chris-p
Participant
You have HIVis or the like. That is fine in there.
September 17, 2017 at 8:18 pm #65047
Steve A W
Participant
US Member - 2 Years
Chris
Do you mean Hi Viscosity or a medical problem?
LOL

Steve A W

Member of the MOB chapter.
I live in Northwest Indiana
September 20, 2017 at 12:45 pm #65158
1946zephyr
Participant
The dealers sell Hi-Vis for manual shift motors 1972 and older. I’ve heard that it’s the same as 90wt for automotive purposes, but don’t quote me on that. Electric shift motors take a different blend. Marine sections, in Walmart usually carries the Hi-Vis too.
September 20, 2017 at 4:48 pm #65172
crosbyman
Participant
Canada Member - 2 Years
things were simple in the 50 s

SAE30 for your gas 90 grade for the gears

wally mart 90 oil likely just fine and cheaper ….do a mid summer change if worried

I would be more worried about water intrusion (bad seals) than using bad oil

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂
September 20, 2017 at 8:48 pm #65176
johnny-infl
Participant
I bought a lower unit for a RD-19 off of ebay a few months ago just because it was cheap.
the seller said he drained the gear oil and it was clean . . . . . (sound familiar ??).

well, upon opening the gear case because I don’t trust ANYONE on ebay or craigslist,
this is what I found – – – after it was all cleaned up, the gears appear to have very little wear
so I am satisfied with the $75.00 and free shipping. just a new impeller and some seals
and now it is a very reliable "ready spare" should I ever need one.
so in my opinion, if you check the gear oil frequently for water intrusion and change it every two years,
you will be golden. I use Pennzoil Marine gear oil and am very pleased with it.

.
September 21, 2017 at 2:19 am #65182
wedgie
Participant
Johnny_inFL ,

That looks like John Deere cornhead grease. A good choice for gearcase with minor leaks, from what I hear.
September 21, 2017 at 3:25 am #65184
captchuck
Participant
So Dad always told me to use Lubriplate (from a tube) in all the non electric shift engines. It was/is a thick white grease. The reasoning was it lubricated the gears fine and would not mix with water should your seals leak. Thus at the end of the season just open the lower fill screw and let any water in the unit drain out. The lubriplate stays put in the lower unit. Have I been lucky in that I have not had any problems or have others used this same grease?
September 21, 2017 at 8:15 pm #65210
fisherman6
Participant
US Member - 2 Years
Lubriplate 105 is also a good choice in manual shift gearcases with minor leaks. Many have and still do use it. John Deere Corn Head is, more or less, used interchangeably with Lubriplate 105 for this purpose. In my limited experience, Corn Head Grease is a less expensive and more available alternative that works as well or better in non-shift, and manual shift outboard gearcases. I still prefer to reseal and use gear oil in cases that are repairable, but either grease is an acceptable alternative in most cases. Others with more or different experience may have more to add.
-Ben

OldJohnnyRude on YouTube
September 22, 2017 at 2:24 am #65227
The Boat House
Participant
quote CaptChuck:

So Dad always told me to use Lubriplate (from a tube) in all the non electric shift engines. It was/is a thick white grease. The reasoning was it lubricated the gears fine and would not mix with water should your seals leak. Thus at the end of the season just open the lower fill screw and let any water in the unit drain out. The lubriplate stays put in the lower unit. Have I been lucky in that I have not had any problems or have others used this same grease?

That is what I use but its mostly because of the tube.
Don’t need another grease gun with an adapter to put
the grease in the gear case. I pay for that convenience
though as the corn head grease is quite a bit cheaper
but its worth it to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaaDUyIX2kI&t=29s

105 is white because it contain zinc oxide. Its
purpose is to protect the new bearing surfaces
from damage at start up. Today zinc is being
removed from our motor oils because it doesn’t
burn off and will plug up the catalytic converter.
This is having an effect on earlier motors with
flat tappet cams and why motors are manufactured
with roller cams today. The zinc in 105 in the big
motors like the Elto Quads or 4-60’s may be of
some benefit to the gears under hard acceleration
but that is just speculation on my part.
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