'86 Johnson 28 hp Prop Shaft

[vann66]

Replacing the seals in the lower unit. After removing the gearcase head from the shaft, noticed that there is a very slight groove on the shaft. It's maybe .001 deep. Buddy of mine works in a tool and die shop and says that they can probably build it up with silver solder and then chuck it up in a 4 jaw o.d. grinder and take it back down to where it belongs. Is this groove something to be concerned about (I'd have never noticed it if he hadn't brought it to my attention), and if so, does his assesment of the fix sound like it will work? Thanks for any input on this.

 

[angus63]

Re: '86 Johnson 28 hp Prop Shaft

Welcome!!!<br />In my opinion, I would shy away from using dissimilar metal repairs on any outboard (especially saltwater use)(not much chance of that in Michigan though). If the "scratch" is truly .001" or so, I would simply dress the area with a little light emory or crocus first, and then a scotchbright polish. As long as this area is not in the region of a pressfit component, any sealing issues will be made up by the seal. Just remove any burrs or sharp edges until it feels smooth by hand, and you should be good to go.<br />Good luck

 

[vann66]

Re: '86 Johnson 28 hp Prop Shaft

Thanks for the input angus. That's pretty much what I was thinking myself, but I wanted to make sure. Picking up the seal kit today and hopefully will have things back together by the weekend. Is there anything else I need to be aware of as I start to re-assemble things?