1984 Johnson 115 Need for shimming driveshaft??

[tomynoks]

I just disassembled the gear case and replacing both gears, pinion and clutch dog... How great is the need to reshim the driveshaft or replace seals? If reshimming is a necessity, how is this done without dropping another $300 on a SPECIAL TOOL? Also, I do have new driveshaft housing seals... might as well replace them, but any other seals, O-rings that are a necessity to replace? I don't mind working on these motors, but every 5 minutes you need another $300 SPECIAL TOOL... Thanks!!

 

[F_R]

That's one reason the shop charges $100 per hour. Seriously though, it needs to be checked since you replaced the pinion gear. Take the shaft and related parts to the shop and let them shim it. It certainly would cost you less than $300.

 

[tomynoks]

Isn't there a measurement and a way to do this myself? I'm on a VERY tight budget right now.

 

[F_R]

There is a measurement (I don't know what it is). You would need a way to make a precision measurement like within a thousandth or so. Now we are talking about precision tools again.

BTW, the torque on the pinion nut affects the clearance and must be correct. Got a torque wrench?

 

[tomynoks]

Yes, I have a torque wrench and a micrometer, so I can measure 1000ths. The driveshaft "Special Tool" is in the mail... Don;t get me wrong.. I always dislike when any company would rather sell you their very expensive special tool than tell you what else will work or what the measurements are...ESPECIALLY when I;m unemployed and funds are scarce. That's why I love iBoats!! I have been able to rebuild and alter many things on my old tin tub thanks to many helping hands and minds here I am forever grateful.

 

[F_R]

I agree the tool is over priced. And I agree somebody with your general knowledge and ability could probably figure out another way. And I also am a world class, card-carrying do-it-yourselfer myself. So I understand where you are coming from.

 

[Faztbullet]

Build the driveshaft and take to a dealer,give em $50 and let them check/shim it for ya...

 

[schematic]

Easy to do with a couple of springs, piece of plate and a vernier caliper. You have to calculate the bottom jaw into the equation.....

 

[tomynoks]

Ummm...yeah I think I'll do what Faztbullet said!!! lol... Hey also.... is it necessary to replace all seals, gaskets, etc? the LU was rebuilt about 7 years ago... I didn;t do it though I bought after the rebuild... The o-ring on bearing carrier looks bad... going to replace that, but oil seals on carrier and driveshaft housing look good.. I know it's probably best to replace everything unless I want to do this again sometime soon, but just asking for your experiences..


Thanks again!!

 

[F_R]

If my own motor, and the seals look good and are not ancient, I'd probably re-use them. Now if it were somebody else's motor, they'd get new seals. It's his money, and why should I take a chance of getting a call-back and have to do it for free?

 

[tomynoks]

Now.... THATS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT!!! An honest answer from a mechanic!! Thanks F_R!!! like I sad this old girl was rebuilt not all that long ago and all the seals look great. Why go messing with it?