1983 johnson 50 hp water tube replacement

[avidflyguy]

just replaced the water pump and it wasn't pumping out a little stream as good as it used to, took lower unit back apart to examine it again and found out the problem was the water tube going from the water pump to engine has a hole/crack in it. Do you have to pull the powerhead off to replace the water pipe? kind of thought about slipping a piece of hose or something up the pipe far enough to cover the hole/crack. its about 5-6 inches above the water pump. really don't want to pull the powerhead

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1983 johnson 50 hp water tube replacement

Trying to remember, I think you have to pull the power head, I am sure someone with experience on that engine will come along. Can you get close enough to braze it up?

 

[Haffiman]

Re: 1983 johnson 50 hp water tube replacement

From factory, that tube has a hole spraying water on the exhaust tube.
To change it, you need to remove the powerhead and the exhaust collector below.
Quite a job, screws may be in bad shape. Upper front rubber mount will have to be removed as well, so you need a support under the fin.
When/if changing the tube, note that the upper rubber grommet has been replaced by TWO plastic washers!!!

 

[BonairII]

Re: 1983 johnson 50 hp water tube replacement

Are the water tubes under much pressure when the engine is running? There's got to be something that can seal the crack. JB Weld or something like that maybe?

 

[Haffiman]

Re: 1983 johnson 50 hp water tube replacement

Pump pressure might go above 20 PSI. If cracked - replace it!!

 

[avidflyguy]

Re: 1983 johnson 50 hp water tube replacement

the water tube is in a very tight space, impossible to see or do much of anything to it, the tube looks to have a hole worn into it from rubbing against the inside of the housing of lower unit, as it is, the pipe contacts an edge insise the housing and thats where the hole is. the exhaust chamber inside the housing takes up all the space other wise i'd have room to braze ir solder the hole shut and grind away the part of the housing rubbing against the pipe. i can't see the hole, but can feel it and its about quarter inch diameter.I can take compressed air ,blow into the pipe with my finger over the hole and i dont hear any air except through **** tube and exhaust chamber

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1983 johnson 50 hp water tube replacement

Sounds like you are going to have to pull the power head, do you have a manual? If not, might be a good time to invest in a factory manual.

 

[martijn]

Re: 1983 johnson 50 hp water tube replacement

i have 2 50 hp johnsons (1983 2 cyl ) and pulled both powerheads .
there are not easy to remove , the bolts on startermotor side will break for sure .
so if you can find out something else leave the powerhead on .

 

[Haffiman]

Re: 1983 johnson 50 hp water tube replacement

i have 2 50 hp johnsons (1983 2 cyl ) and pulled both powerheads .
there are not easy to remove , the bolts on startermotor side will break for sure .
so if you can find out something else leave the powerhead on .

When those bolts break, not too big a problem!
Just take a power drill and drill straight through the bolt from the side, as close to the powerhead as possible. Then when removed the power head, knock the remaining bolt down!