I have a 2005 2-stroke Johnson 50 (model J50PLSOC). Before understanding what I was looking at, I monkeyed with one of the screws. While changing the lower unit oil, I thought the other was the fill level screw and removed it as well. I know I’m the 50,000+ person to make this mistake. To make things simple, at one point or another both screws were removed completely. However, both went back in without any problem. They are both tight, sit flush, no oil leaks out of the case. The shifter works as normal (forward, neutral, reverse) without issue. I tested function manually with engine off (shifting gears and trying to spin the prop) then again engine on and found no faults. I don’t remember which it was, but the first screw I played with was before the weekend, where I ran the boat without issue both days.
I’ve now identified these as the pinion bearing retaining screw (nearest water intake) and shifter pivot pin (forward and lower, nearest actual drain plug). From what I gather from old forums, this is a no-harm-no-foul situation if it all goes together easy. But I’m just trying to confirm - if it function checks good, am I really okay, or is this a bomb in waiting? How bad did I mess up?
Embarrassing to ask but I know I’ve had a much better time with this mistake than most. Thanks!
I’ve now identified these as the pinion bearing retaining screw (nearest water intake) and shifter pivot pin (forward and lower, nearest actual drain plug). From what I gather from old forums, this is a no-harm-no-foul situation if it all goes together easy. But I’m just trying to confirm - if it function checks good, am I really okay, or is this a bomb in waiting? How bad did I mess up?
Embarrassing to ask but I know I’ve had a much better time with this mistake than most. Thanks!
