1982 Johnson 15 Lower Unit

[Grant Brown]

My 10 year old son and I have been reviving a dead 15 hp the last couple of weeks when time permits on the weekends.
Got it running no prob but had to shut it down quickly because no water from the tell tale.
Pulled the l/u but driveshaft was stuck in crank, and driveshaft pulled up out of impeller housing (luckily I found the impeller key).
Pulled powerhead off, removed driveshaft, replaced gaskets water tube grommets and thermostat.
I am now going to redo the impeller in the l/u. I've never had to reinstall a driveshaft this way before.
Does it just drop in from the top or is it supposed to be shimmed inside?
BTW - Don't have a manual, those things are for girls. Kidding, but no I don't have one.
Grant

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1982 Johnson 15 Lower Unit

Yes, driveshaft simply drops into the unit. Make sure it's seated all the way - keyway will be inline with where the impeller will sit.

Also, make sure the o-ring is present at the top of the driveshaft and grease the top splines well to prevent the shaft from becoming stuck again...

 

[Rick.]

Re: 1982 Johnson 15 Lower Unit

http://www.sschapterpsa.com/ramblings/Ramblings.html#OMRA
Here is a site I'm certain you and your son will find useful while working on your 15hp. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[Grant Brown]

Re: 1982 Johnson 15 Lower Unit

Here's my boy installing the water tube on the power head (the old man installed it the wrong way and we had to take it all apart and redo it).
He's not much into sports but he sure can fish (and wrench). He's 10 years old.

 

[5150abf]

Re: 1982 Johnson 15 Lower Unit

That is great, most kids nowdays can't find a gas cap or dip stick much less actually hold a wrench.

I have 3 girls so wrenching isn't something they are interested in but they have a decent understanding of things and can at least check thier own oil.

Before they started driving I made them change a tire so they would know how to do that at least, I get to teach one of them how to drive a stick soon, that should be interesting.