'89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

[Lowranger]

J70TLCEM I've go my new pump(#0432955) and a factory service manual. The manual describes removing a 5/8" countersunk screw using a thin wall socket but does not provide a torque range for re-installation. Can anyone provide me with the correct value? Also, should the shift-rod be in neutral? The manual doesn't say. this is my first time replacing the waterpump and I am going to be working without a helper. How heavy is the lower-unit going to be? I've searched "lower unit removal" and "water pump" and read all the threads. It appears the most challenging hurdle for most folks is re-installing the L.U. and re-connecting the shift-rod. As I understand it, I need to ensure that the drive shaft engages into the crankshaft, the water tube into a copper feed-tube(w/o damaging it), and the shift-rod through a small opening in the pan. It sounds very awkward and I would appreciate any advice.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: '89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

mmmm you got it on the reassembly. its awkward a bit but once ya do a few hundred its simple .<br /> on the pump I cant think of any 5/8ths screws other than the one holding the case to the mid-section just fwd of the trim tab and nost any socket will work on that one. if you buy the BRP kit it may have a few parts to change on the head/t-stat area. I cant remember when they changed the pump assy. but it will have instructions so its ok.

 

[Lowranger]

Re: '89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

Hi Rodbolt,

I cant think of any 5/8ths screws other than the one holding the case to the mid-section

That's the one. Can you suggest a torque value or shall I try and do it by feel? The manual doesn't say. As to the shift-rod, shall I put it in fwd, neu, or rev? Again, the factory manual doesn't say.

 

[CJY]

Re: '89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

I found the 5/8 bolt in my Seloc manual. It told me to check the appendix for torque values but it did not give me anything larger than 7/16. However, there may be a pattern: In ft/lbs, a 5/16 bolt is torqued to 10-12, 3/8 bolt torqued to 18-20 and a 7/16 gets torqued to 28-30.<br /><br />If I continue with that thinking, a 1/2 bolt will be torqued to 38-40, and a 9/16 to 48-50. I hope this will at least get you in the ball park. <br /><br />My manual does not say the shift rod should be anywhere but neutral. That is where I would start.<br /><br />Hope this has helped, I do not know the weight.<br />John

 

[Lowranger]

Re: '89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

Thanks for that, Another torque related question; The 4 bolts securing the lower unit are so close to the housing that my torque wrench(head) can't be positioned underneath them for tightening. Shall I use a "crows-foot" adapter, a wobbler(u-joint) adapter, or simply tighten by feel.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: '89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

I use the feel method. the 5/8ths is the hex size. the bolt is actually 7/16th. you will find most crow foot adapters dont fit either.

 

[CJY]

Re: '89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

If you really want to get the torque correct, use the u-joint adapter. If you are comfortable without the correct torque - go by feel. Personally, I would go with the u-joint. It's simple, it works, everyone has one, and then you get what you wanted - the correct torque.<br /><br />John

 

[Lowranger]

Re: '89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

Thanks for your thoughts on this, I don't have confidence that I could get close by feel alone. Unlike Rodbolt, I simply haven't turned enough wrenches to develop that skill. Further, there is another complication that puzzles me. The manual states that the 4 g.c. retaining bolts are 7/16" yet mine are 9/16"(socket size). As the original owner I'm unaware of ever having had them replaced(with oversize). I suppose a tech may have broken and replaced them(all four?) but there is no record of it in any of my work orders. Mysterious.

 

[CJY]

Re: '89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

Hey Lowranger, my manual says they are 9/16 socket size, so you are ok - no unknown repairs.<br /><br />John

 

[Lowranger]

Re: '89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

OK Yingling-j, I'm happy I've got the correct bolts but somewhat puzzled that the FACTORY MANUAL is in apparent error. I have to wonder what else may be incorrect.

If I continue with that thinking, a 1/2 bolt will be torqued to 38-40, and a 9/16 to 48-50. I hope this will at least get you in the ball park. <br />

Since the torque values in my manual are for a 7/16" I will follow your lead and shoot for 48-50, unless someone chimes in with other advice. My torque-wrench is an old 1/2" drive Craftsmen beam type. If anyone thinks this wrench is a bad idea, please speak up.

 

[CJY]

Re: '89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

The manual must be wrong. I have the same exact motor. I just ran out and checked and they definately are 9/16. Your wrench will be fine.<br /><br />John

 

[Lowranger]

Re: '89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

Thanks Yingling-j, I'll give this a try.

 

[Lowranger]

Re: '89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

Thanks you guys the job is done, A re-cap; I saw right away that my 1/2" beam-type torque wrench would not help me. After a 1/2">3/8" adapter and a swivel adapter I was beyond even a 90° angle (anti-cavitation plate interference). So I labeled and indexed the bolts to ensure I would be close on the re-installation. I was most nervous about frozen bolts and the re-installation of the gearcase. Well, the bolts were all well coated with OMC gasket adhesive and the gear case went back on with ease. The shift-linkage re-positione itself w/o any help from me. I think the "hitch-pin" arrangement makes it easy. Mild surprises; 1) inner exhaust boot stuck in the midsection on dis-assembly, 2) impeller was stuck on shaft but pried off easily with PB Blaster and a little patience, 3) lowering the housing/impeller over the the impeller key(woodruff ?) required more downward force than I expected. I used the heals of my hands and pressure to seat it. As someone else on this board said, I "sweated bullets", but it was worth it. I hope my experience will encourage others.

 

[CJY]

Re: '89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

Great, now I will have to do mine soon. How heavy did the lower unit end up being and how did you hold it up?<br /><br />John

 

[Lowranger]

Re: '89 Johnson 70 water pump questions

Hi Yingling-j, It was lighter than I thought it would be. Maybe 25#-35#. I used a motorcycle tie-down strap and kept my hip on the skeg for double insurance. A great piece of advice I gleaned from this site was to use a Black and Decker Workmate to securely hold the gearcase.

. It kept the unit at the perfect height to perform the operation. If you ever thought you'd like to buy one now is the time. If I can be of any assistance I'll be happy to try and help.