What Happened to my 1991 Johnson 40hp?

[getzjd]

Was running great.. no misses or gear jumping. Was out on the lake, heading back in close to full go when it sounded as if it came out of gear. I let up on the throttle only to hear it making sounds as if it were chewing itself up. I killed power and restarted it. Misc rattling type sounds and then it died. The engine will not even turn over now.

Ideas? My guess is something with lower unit and shift rod? If it is lower unit, what is a reasonable price for one these days?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: What Happened to my 1991 Johnson 40hp?

Uh OH! Yep, you need a new lower unit. You're not going to like the price. If you could find a good used one for $500 I'd jump on it.
Sorry for the bad news,
JBJ

 

[getzjd]

Re: What Happened to my 1991 Johnson 40hp?

What could have caused this?

Could this have been a preexisting problem? Would there have been any signs or ways to avoid it?

Blah! THere goes the fishing for a month or two. Not like there is much in ohio though!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What Happened to my 1991 Johnson 40hp?

what makes you think it is lower unit? i read nothing to lead me there. it is possible. "engine will not even turn over now." are you saying the flywheel will not turn, will it move a little? my first suggestion is drop the lower unit. and see if the lower is siezed or if the power head is siezed. it could have ran hot, and bit the dust.

 

[ottertail]

Re: What Happened to my 1991 Johnson 40hp?

Drain the gear lube from the lower unit. If the gear case went it will be full of metal filings. Or it may not have any oil in it. This would be the first step. then as TD says drop the lower. you will need it off any way if it is the LU or pwer head.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: What Happened to my 1991 Johnson 40hp?

When he said it sounded like it jumped out of gear and then said it sounded like it was chewing itself up I assumed he was speaking of the lower unit.
After reading it I can see how that sounds different from what I was thinking. It almost sounds like it threw a rod and it rattled around in the crankcase until wedging in the crank and siezing it. Could that be it? Ya'll are right, he's got to pull the lower unit to find out.
Sorry about that Getzjd.
JBJ

 

[getzjd]

Re: What Happened to my 1991 Johnson 40hp?

Looks like I will save this project for a weekend in the fall. I have a 1200 sq ft deck to start building out back next week.

Thanks for everyone's help. I may revive this thread if i have questions once i start.