Johnson 140 hp lower unit worn out??

[David K]

While replacing the water pump on a Johnson 140 hp outboard (sorry....year unknown....questimate mid '80's) I noticed that the input shaft where it goes into the gearbox is quite loose. Is this normal? I assume the bearings (and thus the gears) are excessively worn?? If you put a dial indicator right next to the upper gearbox seal, there's .040" - .045" side play. Or does all this not matter because the upper end of the drive shaft is supported and aligned by the engine. The gearbox oil did have water in it (milky) and I assume that the upper seals cannot do their job because of the excessive side play. The drive shaft is also worn where it passes thru the water pump housing. What does it sound like to you guys?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Johnson 140 hp lower unit worn out??

Once you pressure check the gearcase you will pinpoint the leaking seal. Hard to tell which one(s) are leaking without it.

 

[David K]

Re: Johnson 140 hp lower unit worn out??

OK, I understand what you are saying but what about the bearings? Are they worn out? Thanks.

Once you pressure check the gearcase you will pinpoint the leaking seal. Hard to tell which one(s) are leaking without it.

 

[Tomb77]

Re: Johnson 140 hp lower unit worn out??

i would look for a good lower unit when you start looking are repair it get costly and needs special tools. Watch out you can also pay to much easy the lat one I bought for mine I got for 150 it was not the cleanest but good inside. One way to tell is oil condition and shaft and bearing play which you have seen. The unit should be solid all around no noticeable play.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Johnson 140 hp lower unit worn out??

Side to side play on the drive shaft does not necessairly reflect gear or bearing condition. I'd almost bet the gearcase is in good condition as long as it wasn't pure water inside.