Once again, I apologize for such a long post. I got the timer base & all the associated parts changed no problem on the 89 Johnson and the motor fired right up. I need to get a new timing light to check the timing. Unfortunately this did not solve the noise I mentioned in the previous post.<br /><br />Previous post http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=28;t=028811#000000 <br /><br />The noise was the impeller riding up against the top of the SS cup. It seems that there is too much end play in the drive shaft (about 1/8 3/16 inch) and it doesnt turn very easily by hand. When the shaft moves up it pushes the impeller against the cup making an awful noise. I took off the lower unit and was going to see if the lower unit from my 80 Rude would fit but the shift shafts wer different and both the drive shaft and shift shaft were different lengths. Model numbers for each motor below.<br /><br />1989 Johnson 50, Model No. J50TLCEC<br />1980 Evinrude model #E50ELCSR<br /><br />I have 2 options (hopefully) to get me back in the water. The first would to fix the lower unit of the 89 Johnson. Im thinking its the bearing and thrust washers under the drive shaft cover & seal but would like input for the pros. I have not taken the shaft cover off to investigate because I wasnt sure if this could be removed without taking the whole lower unit apart. If I can just take this area apart can I replace the internals? If I can do that I most definitely will. My other option would be to put the 89 Johnson power head on the 80 Rude. Can this be done noting the differences I mentioned above? I guess I would have to put the shift pivot assembly (under the carbs) from the 80 Rude on the 89 Johnson to get the shift rod to work. I believe the shifting is reverse too, but I have a universal control and could reverse the shift cable. I think I would actually feel more comfortable swapping power heads. I know the lower unit on the Rude is good. <br /><br />Thanks for the help.
