I messed up, how much for a lower unit?

woodnknots

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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Oct 20, 2006
Messages
96
I took a great deal on a 22' starcraft cabin cruiser with two very good running motors and trashed it... I checked the port motor for gear oil, and since it had it, I assumed (*** u me, I know) the starboard lower unit had oil. Not so. I got about 2 miles out of that motor before it died on me. I didn't realize what it was at first, so I kept trying to start it. I darn near fried my poor starter, not realizing why it was cranking so slow.

so anyhow, my dad says I might be able to salvage it by pulling it apart and replacing the bearings if the gears are still intact. Any thoughts on this? I pulled the lower unit, and sure enough, the shaft is frozen. If I decide to replace the lower unit with a salvage, what am I looking at?

Thanks,
Dave
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: I messed up, how much for a lower unit?

a lower unit that fits your motor. what motor. year, model number, hp etc. all we know is you fried your lower unit.
 

woodnknots

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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Oct 20, 2006
Messages
96
Re: I messed up, how much for a lower unit?

whoops,

1978 Johnson 55hp. 55EL78S is the model number.
 

tashasdaddy

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51,019
Re: I messed up, how much for a lower unit?

search ebay, they come up all the time. i just sold a great case. i THINK 78 to 82 will fit. there was a change between 77 and 78.
 

wbeaton

Commander
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Jul 30, 2006
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2,332
Re: I messed up, how much for a lower unit?

No problem. I see lots of those lower units come up for sale. Expect to pay under $500 for a used one.
 

woodnknots

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 20, 2006
Messages
96
Re: I messed up, how much for a lower unit?

I just got one for 350 from a salvage, but it's fried, I have to take it back. What would I be looking at to rebuild my old one? I probably have to change the gears and all. Where would I look to get what I need, and where can I get the bearing carrier retaining ring removal tool?
 

woodnknots

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 20, 2006
Messages
96
Re: lower unit problems

Re: lower unit problems

Oh, one more thing, what range of engines can I look in for that lower unit? I know that there was a change in 78, but what horsepower range can I look in?
 

wbeaton

Commander
Joined
Jul 30, 2006
Messages
2,332
Re: lower unit problems

Re: lower unit problems

A new gear set will run you about $500-600. Can't help with the rest.
 
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