1968 Johnson 6hp broke drive shaft

[flathead700]

First time posting on the forum (looked up a lot of info here tho) and just wanted to start fixing little old 2 strokes for my boat, and well, because its fun. Although, I am very new at it. I wouldnt say im completely clueless but I have a lot to learn and hope you guys can help.

So I bought this 1968 Johnson 6 hp CD-25R off a guy who just didnt want to fool with it for $50. He broke the main driveshaft right above the key that holds the first horizontal gear to the set of gears that drive the prop (see the pic, im still learning part names). He said it was an expensive fix, which I didnt doubt, but am bound and determined to find a replacement at a decent price (or buy a parts lower unit if I have to). He said it ran excellent until the shaft broke. He told me that when he drained the lower unit it was a creamy color, which lends to a leak.

First question: Whats the best option for the drive shaft? No chance at fixing it somehow or replacement for sure? It measures 25" and 10mm dia.

Second question: What seal or area could have leaked to cause this? Im going to replace all if I can. Also, is the impeller in good shape?

Thanks for any help or advice.

 

[Rick.]

Re: 1968 Johnson 6hp broke drive shaft

Hello there. In the Top Secret Files at the beginning of this forum there is a list of salvage yards that could help you with a new drive shaft. A seal replacement kit will have everything you need to re-seal the gear case. No idea on the impeller condition but I would change it for sure. Then you know it's new and when it was new. Odd that your drive shaft would break though. I've not experianced that before. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[the machinist]

Re: 1968 Johnson 6hp broke drive shaft

I agree with Rick that this would be uncommon. My question would be WHY. Did he hit something when running, what does the prop look like? Also check the gears out.