lower unit problem

[realtree280]

1980 johnson 15 horse , model J15RCSD<br />I FOUND THAT SHIFTING STARTED GETTING HARDER AND WHEN I TOOK LOWER UNIT OFF I FOUND FULL OF WATER IN THE PART WHERE SHIFTING ROD IS IT WAS FULL OF SAND HALF WAY UP ALSO, I SEE A HOLE ON THE OUTSIDE BUT HOW CAN I FIND IT ON THE INSIDE THE SAND AND MUD IS VERY HARD ? ALSO CAN I MAKE DRAIN HOLE BIGGER ?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: lower unit problem

Are you sure that is sand and not salt? Do you run in saltwater and do you flush with fresh? The holes in the L/U are to allow it to drain when out of the water. I assume the sand, or whatever it is, is in the midsection above the water pump and L/U. Salt or sand packing the midsection could make shifting hard. Clean it out, check the drive shaft and shift rod for any gouges or scratches. You make need to replace the drive shaft and shift rod seals. Stay out of the sand!

 

[Solittle]

Re: lower unit problem

Might be able to help as I had the same problem with my 1975 9.9 this year. Mine was packed with what I call salt water crud. My shift rod was frozen. The stuff was was more like concrete. I ended up using a real long 1/4" drill bit. I would guess the drill is at least 12" or more long. First I poked around through the drain hole at the bottom to clear out a small cavity. Then I went a drilling from the top until I hit the cavity. Somehow along the way I got the shift rod free and did not have to replace the seal. I also enlarged the drain hole so as not to have to do this again. I was not able to get all of the crud out but since it shifts OK I'm not going to worry about it.<br /><br />By the way please turn your keyboard shift lock off. It is called shouting and for some of us we need all the help we can get reading the normal stuff.

 

[MCM]

Re: lower unit problem

I'm pretty sure realtree has a kit and is in the process of rebuilding this L/U. SEE post titled lower unit seals

 

[realtree280]

Re: lower unit problem

thanks guys it is salt crud around shifting rod in lower unit and lots of it , i have replaced all other lower unit seals so far, is it possible to replace shift rod seal without taking everything else apart again ?

 

[realtree280]

Re: lower unit problem

is it possible to replace the shifter rod seal in lower unit without taking the rest of unit apart ?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: lower unit problem

no

 

[rodbolt]

Re: lower unit problem

I say no. if your incredibly lucky you may get the shift rod threaded back into the cradle.