Installing impellar on a 1973 V4 115hp Johnson

teslaman

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2006
Messages
196
I've recently purchased a 15' bass boat with an old 73 motor and I would like to replace the impeller. Unfortunately, I'm ignorant when it comes to outboard motors and although I've purchased a Clymer manual, I'm finding it confusing to follow. I've looked over a SELOC manual (although not for my motor) and found it much easier to understand, so I've ordered one from iboats and it should arrive next week.

My question is this: I've purchased an impeller kit, what other things should I have to do the replacement job? Do I need to replace the drive shaft seal? What gearcase oil should I use? Are there any other precautions I should take?
 

KYHunter2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 20, 2006
Messages
512
Re: Installing impellar on a 1973 V4 115hp Johnson

The lower unit oil , is sold as just that ,outboard lower unit/ gearcase lube.

Most auto parts stores carry it, or wal-mart.

Be sure to replace the little plastic seals ,on the drain fill screws.

When you get it apart , if the drive shaft seal looks worn/old, replace it, if not you don't have to .

Though I usually do, while I'm in there.

Its a simple job, much easier to do , then explain.

Once you get it apart , you'll see what I mean.

Make sure the fins on impeller , are turned the same when you install the new one , as the old were.

A little dish soap , makes getting it into the housing easier.

KYHunter
 

papasage

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 12, 2003
Messages
785
Re: Installing impellar on a 1973 V4 115hp Johnson

KYHunter2 said:
The lower unit oil , is sold as just that ,outboard lower unit/ gearcase lube.

Most auto parts stores carry it, or wal-mart.

Be sure to replace the little plastic seals ,on the drain fill screws.

When you get it apart , if the drive shaft seal looks worn/old, replace it, if not you don't have to .

Though I usually do, while I'm in there.

Its a simple job, much easier to do , then explain.

Once you get it apart , you'll see what I mean.

Make sure the fins on impeller , are turned the same when you install the new one , as the old were.

A little dish soap , makes getting it into the housing easier.

KYHunter

omc made some eletric shift 1971 and 1972 i think 1973 check and be sure if the rong grease is used it want work in a eletric shift .
 

papasage

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 12, 2003
Messages
785
Re: Installing impellar on a 1973 V4 115hp Johnson

use berring grease in the pump . that will work
 

KYHunter2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 20, 2006
Messages
512
Re: Installing impellar on a 1973 V4 115hp Johnson

I believe 1972 was the last V-4 electric , papasage, I may be wrong.

I looked in a '73 manual , and the V-4 gearcase, is the same from '73-'76 and '77 20" except the 140 hp. I believe.

KYHunter
 

teslaman

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2006
Messages
196
Re: Installing impellar on a 1973 V4 115hp Johnson

Thanks for the help. I wanted to follow up on some things:

1) I have quicksilver gear lube and Hi-Vis West Marine lubricant (80W90). Which one should I use?

2) Where can I get the little oil plug seals?

3) Do you use soap on the fins of the impeller or some other form of lubricant?

4) Do I need to be very careful with what lubriants I use on the various seals or can I use Quicksilver 2-4-c Marine lubrant?
 

KYHunter2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 20, 2006
Messages
512
Re: Installing impellar on a 1973 V4 115hp Johnson

Either lube should be fine.

You can use the lube or soap , doesnt matter its gone as soon as you fire it up.

Soap is just easier to get off your hands.

I use triple guard grease on drive shaft seal, or any marine grease.

On water tube grommet I just use a little gear lube.

If yours has the gasket under the impeller plate , use some gasket sealer on it.

Also I use sealer on the screws.

A little vaseline on the drive shaft flat where the drive pin is , makes it easier to install, the impeller.

The soap works as well.

KYHunter
 
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