1986 Johnson 9.9, water intake screen?

[jrs_diesel]

I'm replacing the water pump and thermostat on my 9.9. I noticed that the the water intake screen in the lower unit is broken, not all of the intake holes have the screen material left. The screen, part number 318991, is listed as no longer available.

Is this part really necessary? I mean, I know the motor will run without the screen, but if I can't find a replacement screen, is there anything else I can use to keep junk from making it into the water pump?

 

[F_R]

Re: 1986 Johnson 9.9, water intake screen?

marineengine.com has one (only one) in stock. Grab it.

Your old one will only continue to crumble. Without actually trying running without one, I would be concerned about the water flow at higher speeds. The screen may have an effect on the water entering the intake cavity. You certainly don't want it to be starving for water at high speeds.

 

[OptsyEagle]

Re: 1986 Johnson 9.9, water intake screen?

If it is one of the holes at the end then it may be normal for it not to have screen material. I think the screen is a square piece that only covers about 4 out of the 5 holes. Water entering in the 5th hole is prevented from entering the water system by the walls of that intake screen.

This is how the screen works on my 1976 model and I would bet they didn't change much in the design since then. I recommend that you take a very close look at it before you go and change it.

 

[jrs_diesel]

Re: 1986 Johnson 9.9, water intake screen?

OptsyEagle, thank you for mentioning that. I just went back and looked at mine. My intake screen is like you described it. The screen only goes down 4 holes, with the 5th completely open. That's what led me to think it was broken.

F R, thank you very much for finding that. I will most likely buy it for a spare, knowing how easy these old ones can break.

Thanks guys!