1992 Johnson drive shaft bearing seals

[bigflathunter]

J40TLENM

I dropped the lower unit for the first time today. I've had the boat three years and this is the first time I've inspected the water pump. The impeller was showing pretty bad wear and the rubber tube that connects the housing to the water line was actually split open - lucky I haven't had other issues yet. I am surprised at how easy it was to fix the water pump.

The concern is the drive shaft bearing housing below the bottom plate of the water pump housing. There is a black seal at the top of it that's split and cracking. Is this something that is relatively easy to replace - as in no special, spendy tools? I did notice a little water in the lower unit oil when I (stupidly) drained and refilled it before deciding to do the water pump. Maybe 5-10% water - there were some milky streaks in the oil. I know there is also a seal on the prop shaft but I'm not sure how to replace it. Just want to keep the oil in and the water out.

Any help here would be much appreciated.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: 1992 Johnson drive shaft bearing seals

There should be two seals in the top of that housing. They should be fitted back to back so that the bottom one keeps the oil in the gear case and the top one keeps the water out. Sometimes they are the same part but two different numbers listed for yours.

Find the gearcase diagram for you engine in the parts list at http://shop2.evinrude.com/Index.aspx?s1=f906b8b3ba073889bf8ee6e19e43e282&catalog_id=0&siteid=1
those seals re #39 and #40. You'll need a new O ring, #37, if you pull the housing out.

The diagram will also give you an idea of what is involved in replacing the prop shaft seals #28 ( both the same down there) Probably also need to replace the anode #63.

 

[bigflathunter]

Re: 1992 Johnson drive shaft bearing seals

Thanks for the help.

I see in that diagram a large o-ring, #24, that goes around #25. Does this serve any purpose in keeping water out? If so I will replace it as well if it's an easy get-to item.

Thanks

 

[Vic.S]

Re: 1992 Johnson drive shaft bearing seals

If you remove the bearing housing to get the seals out yes you will have to replace the O ring as well

 

[bigflathunter]

Re: 1992 Johnson drive shaft bearing seals

My local parts guy had everything I needed when I called so I picked up everything I need. When I got there I saw that he was also their head certified tech so I picked his brain for a few and he did suggest I clean the bearings with solvent and use 231 Red LockTite on the metal-to-metal contact areas for the new driveshaft and prop shaft bearings.

What is the best type of solvent for this? Can I use just spray can carb cleaner, or is mineral spirits appropriate? Just don't want to use something that will leave a bad residue and break down my lower unit oil.

I appreciate all your help. Hopefully I can have the boat back on the water tomorrow night.