4 Hp Johnson broken driveshaft ??

[twocyclemania]

I just picked up an 86 Johnson 4 hp with a broken driveshaft (part#0391594). According to the owner he went to put a new water pump in but the driveshaft was stuck at the powerhead end. He tied it to a tree and used his car to pull it out when it would not slide out under normal circumstances. The shaft broke instantly just at the lower unit where the seal is located. Questions is; can this be welded considering there can be no welds on the outside surface or they will eat the seal? Couldn't find any used ones and new ones are not available any more and if they were they're about 150 plus. Otherwise the motor (paid $50) is in great condition with low hours. As far as I can tell there's no damage to the crank as it turns over freely and with good compression. I'm currently soaking the 'stuck' shaft in CRC Knock er Loose hoping to get it out. Any suggestions about that are also welcome.

 

[nwcove]

you'd be wasting money if you tried to have it welded. the po's story sounds a bit odd tho, from my experience the impeller key should wreck the impeller housing and the shaft should come out of the pinion gear long before the ds would break. if it was actually pulled apart with a car/tree combo, i would suspect more than just corrosion damage on the crankshaft lower bearing.
hang the motor upside down by the ds a few inches off the floor with something soft under it, keep spraying your elixer of choice towards the splines, or unbolt and remove the ph and get more aggressive!

 

[boobie]

Mix up some ATF and Acetone 50-50 and try putting that on the splines.

 

[Tim Frank]

Check the scrap yards listed in the "secret files"

 

[steelespike]

There are 4 driveshafts listed on ebay right now for various 3 and 4 hp motors.
Some suggest make an offer.
At the prices I saw I think I'd look for a parts motor or make it a parts motor for another project.