Johnson experts needed!!!

nitsuj

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(Revised post, edited as requested)<br />Ok, I pulled my lower unit off, and I have about a million questions. Motor is a 1970 Johnson 115, model # 115ESL70D Anyhow, as recomended, I was going in to replace the impeller before starting it. Well, the impeller was brand new looking. I know it's not new, but it's not stiff or dry in any way, no cracks or chips. Do I still need to replace it?<br /><br /> Also, it looks like I need the seal in the top of the plate holding the driveshaft comes through, along with the seal behind the prop. Is there a lower unit gasket kit that comes with both of these?<br /><br /> Also, before I put it away 5 years ago, reverse wasn't working. Today, I noticed that at some point, someone soldered in a new solenoid. A piece of old, hardened heat shrink had fallen down to the bottom of the cavity, perhaps this is what was keeping it from shifting into reverse? <br /><br />Is there a way to test these solenoids now that I have them out? (The manual only has a test for when it's all hooked up)<br /><br />I hate to put it all back together only to find out I still don't have reverse. Also, the wire to the upper solenoid was cut too close to the rubber boot that goes through the solenoid cover plate to make another repair. Do I need to buy a new wire, or is there an old boat wrench trick to getting it in and sealing? <br /><br />By the way, which solenoid is the reverse solenoid? <br /><br />Last question, when you turn the drive shaft, it feels "gritty", it needs a new bearing. I haven't taken it apart yet, but the manual calls for a bearing puller. Is there another tool that will work? <br /><br />Is there a bearing kit?<br /><br /> If not what all needs replaced? I need a lower unit primer!
 

trumpetbucks

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Re: Johnson experts needed!!!

This sounds like 100 questions for Joe Reeves..... DHadley.....OutBoard Jim...etc
 

Skyhigh

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Re: Johnson experts needed!!!

nitsuj,<br /><br /> About the bearing puller you can get away with 2 bolts 2 washers and 2 nuts and guess what 2 screw drivers. Make sure u put nut then washer and screw in.
 

nitsuj

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Re: Johnson experts needed!!!

Mr. Reeves? Dhadley? Anyone?
 

wilde1j

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Re: Johnson experts needed!!!

Sounds like you need to buy a shop manual.
 

JB

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Re: Johnson experts needed!!!

Nitsuj.<br /><br />Your post is almost impossible to read. At least one expert has Emailed me asking that I urge posters to avoid rambling posts devoid of structure.<br /><br />Click the "EDIT" icon in your post and reorganize it into paragraphs that make it readable, with clear organization of information and questions.<br /><br />Thanks. :)
 

Dhadley

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Feb 4, 2001
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Re: Johnson experts needed!!!

Your manual will describe how to check the solenoid for resistance and shorts or just hook each one to 12 volts and see if it works.<br /><br />Both solenoids are activated for reverse -- one for neutral -- neither for forward.<br /><br />As WlideOne suggests, a shop manual will prove to be invaluable.<br /><br />Good luck!
 

Joe Reeves

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Re: Johnson experts needed!!!

I've hesitated answering this post as it is about twenty one (21) lines long with roughly eight or nine (8/9) questions. By the time one gets from the beginning to the end of it, it's enough to make ones head swim trying to sort it all out.<br /><br />Better to break something like this up into various paragraphs, seperating the questions if more than one. We like to help out when we can but we need the posters to help us in return.<br /><br />I'd replace the impeller on general principles. There is a seal kit available that contains everything you need for that unit.<br /><br />The shift solenoids (unavailable since 1988) can be tested but I don't have that book. You'll need to check it out in a service manual. If they're faulty, I do have one new complete solenoid set left in stock for that unit (lists for about $250.00 but I would discount that).
 

nitsuj

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Jul 22, 2003
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Re: Johnson experts needed!!!

I didn't see a test procedure for the solenoid in my manual, guess I'll have to look harder. My manual is a Clymer and I'm not thrilled with the way it's laid out. <br /> Sorry if my post rambled on, I didn't realize it was that hard to read. This motor needs so much, that when I started asking questions, I just kept on thinking of more to add. ;) <br /> Anyhow, that only question left is about the wires going to the solenoid through the plate on top of the housing. How crucial is the seal around that wire? If it gets boogered up, does it need replaced, or will silicone do the job? <br /><br />Joe, if the solenoids test bad, I'll let you know, I'd just as soon buy them from you as anyone local, since you've been such a big help.
 

nitsuj

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Jul 22, 2003
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Re: Johnson experts needed!!!

Hey Skyhigh, can you elaborate on how you're using 2 bolts to pull the propeller bearing housing? I have the lower unit in a stand on my bench, and for the life of me, I don't see how you managed that. I have the 4 bolts out that hold it in. Everything else is pictured and explained in the manual, but the puller isn't pictured. If I can even see a picture of the puller I think I could grasp the idea.
 

JB

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Re: Johnson experts needed!!!

Nice job reorganizing the post, Nitsuj. Still a lot of items, but now they are clearly seperated.<br /><br />You can usually test solenoids by applying 12v across the terminals or from a single terminal to the base. If the core is out, check for a strong magnetic field where the core goes in.<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 

nitsuj

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Re: Johnson experts needed!!!

JB, can a solenoids of this type fail intermittently? If they work when I put juice to them, does that mean they're good, no doubt about it?
 

JB

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Re: Johnson experts needed!!!

Any electrical device can become intermittent, Nitsuj. <br /><br />If they test good, that only means that they worked during the test.
 
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