85 Johnson 2 horse - assembling rod question

[twocyclemania]

Finally beginning to assemble the motor with the stuck rings. I installed new rings and honed the cylinder. I've started assembly and according to my old Glenn Marine Book, 14 needle bearings should be on the rod side and 16 on the cap side. The manual is old and it covers the older 1.5 hp. Does the 14 and 16 hold true for the later 2 hp? If one used logic it would be 15 and 15 which is where I was ready to go and found this out when I looked up the torque for the rod cap. Also, the older motor had locks for the two cap screws. Seems scary that they left them out on the later models. Thanks

 

[racerone]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - assembling rod question

Simple----All the manual is explaining is the assembly technique to use.-----30 needles.---Put 15 in each if you like.---Just did this job on a 6 HP and an 8 HP.--Explained the same way in the manual.

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - assembling rod question

Thanks racerone:

Another couple of questions since I'm about to assemble. Exhaust cover and intake manifold gaskets; sealant or not? Also since the rod bearing cap screws do not have any locks should I beware of lubricant on the treads or include a locktite so they don't back out?

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - assembling rod question

Since everyone likes to know the outcome: I finished it and fired it up the other day. Had a lot of trouble getting it and keeping it running (20 seconds if I was lucky). I discovered someone switched the high and low speed needles. Amazing that it can run at all with the needles reversed. Switched them and after adjusting I have it up and running. The only glitch is at higher speed every once in a while the motor starts to 'stutter' and than recovers. Tomorrow I'm going to replace the impeller. Once it's replaced I'm going to give it decent run and see if the 'stutter' works it's way out.

 

[boobie]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - assembling rod question

The "stutter" could be coming from your carb adjustment on the high speed needle.

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - assembling rod question

Thanks boobie: I'll give the adjustment another try when she's up and running. Normally if you go one way or the other with the needle adjustment, things will smooth out until you reach the 'sweet spot.' On this one I noticed that a very little movement either way will mess things up and continuing on either way results in the motor stalling. By the way, the needles look like they're in new condition; no wear or bends, etc. For now, this is as good as it gets and I'm happy to have her running. Later on when I have it running on the boat I'll give it another try.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - assembling rod question

Don't forget to break it in.

Ill assume you figured out the gaskets? Nothing on the intake side. Sealer on exhaust side. Nothing on new head gaskets that are shiny, the sealer is built in.

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - assembling rod question

HighTrim: I guess two out of three ain't bad. Knew about the head gasket. Left out the sealer on the other two. At least the exhaust cover is an easy remove. Recommended sealer: thanks!