1988 Johnson 50 lower unit

H

hillsh

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Nov 30, 2004
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I am rebuilding a lower unit whose pinion gear broke in half. Had to replace the driveshaft and gears with a used set. Replaced the driveshaft thrust bearing (conical) and put it together with the old shim pack. Installed in the lower unit, the driveshaft is quite loose in the bearing - actually moves up and down about 1/32" or so - is this OK? I have been told that the driveshaft should have some slack in it, but how much?
 
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rodbolt

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Sep 1, 2003
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Re: 1988 Johnson 50 lower unit

hello<br /> that motor should have torrington bearings for the thrust surfaces. if you changed the pinion gear and or drive shaft the pinion must be shimmed with a proper tool or gear failure is most likely.<br /> take the driveshaft and bearing housing with the thrust washer, bearing and the pinion gear to a jonnyrude dealer and have the pinion height set.<br /> this is one place that its imperitive to use the correct tool and procedure or failure is likely.<br /> use a new pinion nut on reassembly.
 
H

hillsh

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Nov 30, 2004
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Re: 1988 Johnson 50 lower unit

Originally posted by rodbolt:<br /> hello<br /> that motor should have torrington bearings for the thrust surfaces. if you changed the pinion gear and or drive shaft the pinion must be shimmed with a proper tool or gear failure is most likely.<br /> take the driveshaft and bearing housing with the thrust washer, bearing and the pinion gear to a jonnyrude dealer and have the pinion height set.<br /> this is one place that its imperitive to use the correct tool and procedure or failure is likely.<br /> use a new pinion nut on reassembly.
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H

hillsh

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Nov 30, 2004
Messages
3
Re: 1988 Johnson 50 lower unit

Thanks for the comments - the motor does have a conical bearing on the driveshaft rather than the flat Torrington style you mention. Does your comment still hold with that type of bearing?
 
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