Topic: Johnson TN-28 Leaking at Steering Pivot – Antique Outboard Motor Club,Inc

This topic has 5 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 1 month, 3 weeks ago by fisherman6.

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July 14, 2026 at 2:31 pm #324466
fisherman6
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I am working on a Johnson TN-28 5hp with a neutral clutch. I have it running nicely. It is, however, leaking / spraying water out from the top of the steering pivot between the bottom of the powerhead and the top of the transom clamp. I have been through a few TN and TD Johnsons before but I have never had one spraying water out of here while running. Does anyone have suggestions on what needs to be done to fix this leak? See the attached picture that shows the leak location. Any help on this will be greatly appreciated.

-Ben

OldJohnnyRude on YouTube
July 14, 2026 at 3:56 pm #324471
Buccaneer
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If it were leaking on the top side of the steering pivot, I’d say “gasket”.
I can’t visualize the bottom side, but if it’s cooling okay, probably
no big deal?

Prepare to be boarded!

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fisherman6
July 14, 2026 at 5:47 pm #324480
fisherman6
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I would agree. My first thought was that gasket as well. It is leaking below that gasket, though. It is cooling fine, but it sprays water kind of halfway at the operator and into the boat when going straight ahead. There is also some oily sludge that collects there and eventually runs down the side of the clamp. I’m trying to fix this for someone else. If it was my own motor, I probably wouldn’t bother much with it since these aren’t motors I run very often. I sure would like to be able to fix this issue. It may not happen, though. Thanks, Buc!

-Ben

OldJohnnyRude on YouTube
July 14, 2026 at 7:06 pm #324482
bkrsdoz
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While we are right here on the subject, did you insert the carbon seal and spring on the top of the drive shaft? How does one do that correctly anyway? Thanks, Bob
July 14, 2026 at 8:41 pm #324489
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Prepare to be boarded!

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Sam M., fisherman6, bkrsdoz
July 15, 2026 at 4:04 pm #324540
fisherman6
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bkrsdoz wrote:

While we are right here on the subject, did you insert the carbon seal and spring on the top of the drive shaft? How does one do that correctly anyway? Thanks, Bob

This could even be the whole issue. I guess I will pull the powerhead off and see if I can find anything apparently wrong.

-Ben

OldJohnnyRude on YouTube
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