How to change impeller - 1981 Johnson 115 HP, 2-Stroke, 4-Cyl.

[lncovert]

Hi, I would like to change the impeller to my 1981 Johnson 115 HP, 2-stroke, 4-cyl. I have a Seloc manual but it looks like a lot of pictures are missing in order for a newbie like me to do the whole task. Could anyone give me some info?

The water pump is working fine, but I hear it is a good idea to replace the impeller. Do I need to buy an entire water pump kit or just the impeller?

Is this something I can do in a few hours? Do I have to take off the lower unit to replace the impeller? If so, would I need to build some stand for the lower unit to rest it on? I live in an apartment so I don't have a workshop/space or a lot of tools to do things. Thanks for your help.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How to change impeller - 1981 Johnson 115 HP, 2-Stroke, 4-Cyl.

you have to disconnect the shift linkage under the carb, and remove the lower unit, no stand necessary. i would use a kit.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: How to change impeller - 1981 Johnson 115 HP, 2-Stroke, 4-Cyl.

Getting the lower unit down for your first time will probably take the longest. You should get it done in a couple hours, after experience that time will get cut down drastically. I would wait to purchase anything until you have it apart. If the impeller housing looks worn, get the whole kit. You will also need a few things such as gasket sealing compound, grease, etc... Your manual will probably list these things. A stand is nice, but not a necessity. While the lower unit is down, be sure to clean out the water intake area, grease the splines of the drive shaft with marine grease, and I would blow out the water line with compressed air or the garden hose to ensure there is no debris lodged in it. Also be sure to remove the prop at this time, and clean any old fishing line that may be on the shaft, re greasing those splines as well. This video may help for your first time. Good luck.

"http://www.meegsonline.com/tmd/waterpump.wmv"

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: How to change impeller - 1981 Johnson 115 HP, 2-Stroke, 4-Cyl.

Wonder if the Seloc book shows how to get to that pesky shift rod bolt?

 

[flabum]

Re: How to change impeller - 1981 Johnson 115 HP, 2-Stroke, 4-Cyl.

Wonder if the Seloc book shows how to get to that pesky shift rod bolt?

a 3/8 inch swivel socket 1/4 inch drive with a long 1/4 inch drive extension and ratchet.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: How to change impeller - 1981 Johnson 115 HP, 2-Stroke, 4-Cyl.

a 3/8 inch swivel socket 1/4 inch drive with a long 1/4 inch drive extension and ratchet.

Yep,and a little electrical tape around the swivel adapter so its just a little on the stiff side.

 

[lncovert]

Re: How to change impeller - 1981 Johnson 115 HP, 2-Stroke, 4-Cyl.

Ok, so you have to disconnect the shift linkage. That makes sense. What about the drive shaft? Does it not have to be disconnected? And there should be some tube from the water pump in the lower unit to the head unit too, right?

you have to disconnect the shift linkage under the carb, and remove the lower unit, no stand necessary. i would use a kit.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: How to change impeller - 1981 Johnson 115 HP, 2-Stroke, 4-Cyl.

The drive shaft is splined and just slides into the power head.Hopefully it was greased well and will not be rusted.There is a water tube that fits into the top of the water pump.the tube should stay in the housing and mid section and will not come off when the lower is dropped.
Also remember there is a bolt behind the trim fin that must be removed.Mark the fin so it goes back in the same spot.Once the shift rod is unhooked and the bolts on the lower removed it should slide off with a couple good tugs..