Lower Unit Johnson 200

[RHB]

I pulled the lower unit to replace the water pump. When I pulled the old water pump off it seemed like the seal on the upper bearing housing was bad, loose fit around the shaft. I drained the gear lube out and did not see any evidence of water. The amount of lube was very low. <br /><br />The drive shaft has a lot of side to side slop. Is this typicall or is it indicating a problem in the pinion assembly?<br /><br />Any advice would be helpfull.<br /><br />RHB

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Lower Unit Johnson 200

RHB.... You don't say what year your 200hp engine is or if it has a one or two piece driveshaft. The answer to your question would vary depending on those two areas.<br /><br />However, if the driveshaft is a one piece shaft, there should be no play at the seal area you mention. That area is the "Upper Bearing & Seal Housing" for the driveshaft.<br /><br />If the driveshaft is a two piece shaft, with the lower unit removed, that shaft will wobble quite a bit. It appears to be a built in design but quite frankly, I don't care for it.<br /><br />To find out which type shaft you have (if you don't already know), remove the four bolts that retain the brg & seal assy, then pry that housing out to view the lower portion of the shaft.<br /><br />It's very unlikely that you would have a pinion gear problem. If that was the case, the lower unit would have blown apart in the first thirty seconds.

 

[RHB]

Re: Lower Unit Johnson 200

Thanks for the reply Joe.<br /><br />The motor is a 1995 Ocean Runner. It is a counter rotating model. From your description it sounds like the upper bearing might have a problem. I'll pull the cover and get a look inside.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Lower Unit Johnson 200

Your motor has the 2 piece driveshaft and it will feel like it wobbles around when you wiggle it. While it is apart and since it's 7 years old, replace the 2 driveshaft seals, as they wear out quickly, especially if you run in sand from time to time. Check for any corrosion or stiffness in the shift shaft while you are at it. The shaft is sealed by 2 orings that can get worn if there is a lot of time on the motor. Be sure to adjust the shift shaft length before re-installing the gearcase.

 

[RHB]

Re: Lower Unit Johnson 200

Thanks Seahorse good info.<br /><br />Most time the motor has been in the Gulf. The shift shaft looks new and I was surprised how good the old impellar looked. The old water pump was covered in a black grease. I suspect the drive shaft seal had leaked and the black grease is old gear lube.<br /><br />I'll replace seals as you suggest. Is the seal at the prop shaft a job I can handle or are special tools required?