1989 J4RDHCEC Impeller Repair Question

[speckman6408]

Hello Guys: On the above mentioned motor, is there a way to replace the impeller without taking
the propeller shaft out of the gear case? I have the 3 bolts out of the gear case to mid section
and am wondering what to do next. Will the top of the splined drive shaft slip out of the power-
head? How to disconnect the shift rod? I know I have asked a lot of questions, so any info wouild
be helpful. Thanks for helping!

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 1989 J4RDHCEC Impeller Repair Question

Definitely dont pull out the prop shaft.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 1989 J4RDHCEC Impeller Repair Question

I think the gear shaft doesnt need disconnecting on that one but someone will probably confirm that or disprove it. keep the motor in neutral.
It should just slip out unless its seized in there.
Are you sure three bolts is all thats needed to remove, there isnt a fourth long one that points down from the midsection?

 

[speckman6408]

Re: 1989 J4RDHCEC Impeller Repair Question

I think the gear shaft doesnt need disconnecting on that one but someone will probably confirm that or disprove it. keep the motor in neutral.
It should just slip out unless its seized in there.
Are you sure three bolts is all thats needed to remove, there isnt a fourth long one that points down from the midsection?

Thanks Neighbor for replying: I will take your advice about not removing the shaft(I was not looking forward to doing that
any way). No the motor or driveshaft is not seized--I have been running it before deciding to replace the impeller. It has
been over 3 years since it has been changed. That is how long I have owned it and this is the first time I have attempted
to put a new impeller in it. There are 2 bolts on the rear of the gear case under the fin and there is 1 bolt on the top front
of the gear case fin and that is the only visible bolts. There is another short bolt that bolts on the anode which is on the rear of the gearcase fin--it is right in the middle of the other 2 bolts that are on the rear of the gear case. I removed that
bolt as well but it had no effect on the gear case coming disconnected from the mid section. It is to short(about an inch
and one-quarter)long and goes in at about a 45 degree angle. Any other help appreciated--Thanks

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 1989 J4RDHCEC Impeller Repair Question

Yep sounds good to go, see if you can back it out.
If theres a leak in there the top of the drive shaft might be a little bit seized to the lower crankshaft but it shouldnt be. If it backs out an inch and then stops then itl mean your shift shaft needs disconnecting but ive an inkling that on that model it doesnt need to be disconnected.
Are you are Bay of Islands resident? If so you a probably on here for the reason i signed up- the charges the local shops have

 

[speckman6408]

Re: 1989 J4RDHCEC Impeller Repair Question

Good Neighbor: I am not a resident of Bay of Islands. I live in southern Louisiana, in the USA. Yes, sir, an
old man like me cannot afford $85 an hour for shop repairs. If I cannot fix it I either sell it or move it to
another part of the shop. I will take your advice and see if I can get the gear case to disconnect from the
mid section. But that will be tomorrow--it is bed time for this 69 year old! Thanks again for your help!

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 1989 J4RDHCEC Impeller Repair Question

My pleasure. Ive got a job to go to down country tomorrow so I wont be back for a couple of days but others will give you advise if you get stuck. Its an easy job when you know how, and you will afterwards wonder how anyone could get away with charging that for such a quick job.

Keep the gear in neutral (unless someone tells you otherwise) and be careful to not twist the shiftshaft when its out- so it will go back in easier.
Theres a little o-ring that should be near the top of the driveshaft in a groove on the splines, it helps keep the driveshaft from seizing in there so if you have time its worth replacing. Its part number 0303191 and is about $1.50. If you have some grease put "only" a little bit on the splines when you reinstall and absolutely none on the very top of the driveshaft.
Theres a few videos on youtube on how to do the impellor and most people here have done one so just ask away, theres a few tricks to installing such as putting a bit of grease/detergent on the impellor and slowly pushing down on the pump housing as you turn the driveshaft clockwise as new ones are quite tight.
Just look carefully how its set up as you disassemble and dont forget to put the impellor key back in too.

Best of luck Neighbor there in the USA- the home of johnson/evinrude