Need help finding part for 1977 Johnson 70

[Cherokee-Runabout]

Hey there, well I had a little bit of a moment here earlier today when I went to change the lower unit oil. I have only changed it twice on this motor and was in a little bit of a rush. Anyhow, I thought that I was removing the bottom drain plug, wasn't thinking and started to loosen the screw on the vent cover for the water intake(Don't know how I thought that the oil would drain ). Long story short my great mechanic skills left me with a stripped head. I have removed the screw since but do not know what it is called or where to begin to look for it. It looks like I may not be able to get to the johnson dealer until tomorrow. So my questions are: What is the actual name of where the screw goes? If I'm not able to get the screw until tomorrow would I be okay letting the motor sit with no gear oil in it overnight? A little new to this any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[boobie]

Re: Need help finding part for 1977 Johnson 70

It's the screw that holds the lower d/s brg in place. Part # 322994. Hope you didn't stripp the threads in the hsg. It won't hurt to let it sit for a few days with no oil in it as long as there was no water in the oil.

 

[Cherokee-Runabout]

Re: Need help finding part for 1977 Johnson 70

I don't know exactly how I'd strip out the housing by unscrewing the screw. Is this a common occurrence? It was a pain to get out, hence the head of the screw got stripped. The bottom 3/8" portion of the screw (point farthest from the head) has no threads on it are these signs that the housing may be stripped as well?

 

[boobie]

Re: Need help finding part for 1977 Johnson 70

No.......... Get a new screw and try it.