Recurrent lower unit problems

scubudo

Recruit
Joined
Aug 28, 2011
Messages
2
3 years ago I purchased a pontoon boat with a 50 HP Johnson 2 stroke ('97 model)
Last year the lower unit seized and was replaced with a remanufactured unit. Since the boat was a few years old and had an unknown history, I did't think much about it...until it happened again this year.
The mechanic stated that both times it has appeared that someone has gone from foreward to reverse too quickly.
Because this boat is shared with other family members, I suppose that is a possibility...but we have had multiple boats previously with outboards ranging from 2.5-115 HP (mostly Mercs), and have never had an issue with lower units.

So is this something that these outboards are just more susceptible too?
 

dew2

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 6, 2010
Messages
674
Re: Recurrent lower unit problems

Have you ever checked the driveshaft for true straight?
 

scubudo

Recruit
Joined
Aug 28, 2011
Messages
2
Re: Recurrent lower unit problems

Have you ever checked the driveshaft for true straight?

No, I have not. I have not been the one working on the unit.

Wouldn't a remanufactured lower unit have a new drive shaft?
 

freddyray21

Commander
Joined
Jun 10, 2006
Messages
2,460
Re: Recurrent lower unit problems

the lower would not come with a new driveshaft. I suspect a driveshaft issue. Lower units are pretty tough, but can be abused.
 
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