Is this typical?

[Khenders]

I am in the middle of replacing the impeller on a 85 15hp johnson. I noticed there is a bit of back-lash between the shaft and the prop. Is this normal? The prop turns when I turn the shaft with no slop in the forward direction but there's a bit of slop if I hold the prop. Also, when spinning the shaft in the neutral position, theres a slight rythmic clunking sound in the lower end.
Any thought?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Is this typical?

The slight rythmic clunking sound indicates that the shift linkage is not adjusted properly....... the shifter clutch dog lobes are touching the gear shifter lobes slightly.

The backlash/play is normal. The unit when in gear has a certain amount of play (distance) between one set of shifter lobes and the next set of shifter lobes.

 

[Khenders]

Re: Is this typical?

Hi Joe -
I think you helped me a year or so back with a 90 evinrude that wouldn't start - because I wire the ground closed.
It purred when I finally got her running. I wish I kept it.

Anyway, Can the shifter be adjusted without pulling the bearing housing?

The clunking sound only occurs when up-right. It turns smoothly when I lay it on its side. Needle bearings?

I just noticed this morning that the upper shaft is slightly twisted at the top 1/4" of the lower splines and the prop shaft has a slight bend. Although I have owned it for several years, I haven't put too many hours on it and never hit anything. I suspect it was like this when I bought it...but it runs fine. I don't know that I would bother replacing either as the parts alone will be over $300.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Is this typical?

With the engine in the vertical running position, and having that clinking clunking taking place, move the shift lever slightly one way, then the other. If that noise ceases to exist, I'd suspect that the shift adjustment needs looking at.

With the hood off, look on the starboard side of the powerhead somewhere near the shift lever. As you move the shift lever, you'll see a indented component move which is actually a shift lock setup.... a helper mechanism to help find neutral, forward etc, and to also keep the shift from drifting.

Hopefully this cures the problem. Let us know what you find.

 

[Khenders]

Re: Is this typical?

I have the lower end off right now to change the impeller. The clunking happens when turning the the shaft by hand. I was ready to reassemble when I happened upon this issue. I will try adjusting the shifter while turning the shaft to see if the clunking disappears. If it does, I will reassemble and check again.

What type of lube is needed in the lower end?

 

[Khenders]

Re: Is this typical?

Well, I tried adjusting the shifter when turning by hand but it has absolutely no slack...which I suppose is a good thing considering the lower end is off. I did notice that the clunking sound only happens when the shaft is all the way down. Lifted just the slightest bit and it ceases to clunk and turns smoothly. This is probably why I didn't hear it when I first dropped the lower end.

So, I soaped the impeller, twisted the pump CW over it, and bolted 'er back up.
I'll relube the case today and hopefully get to test it this weekend.