used johnson lower unit needed

[stlrd85]

i have a 1988 90hp johnson vro 4 cyl. i sheared the driveshaft and it will be easier for me to replace the lower unit than the driveshaft. i have found a few on ebay, but was told by a dealer that a replacement for mine must be between the years of 83-89 and must be of 88, 90 or 110 hp. i have since seen contradictory info and really need to know the truth before i buy and potentially make a mistake. time is running short on some of the auctions and i need to know what will work for me! also, if anyone knows of any USED parts dealers who may have one i would appreciate any info available. i'm in WI, so a parts dealer in WI would obviously be the most convenient.<br /><br />oh yeah, the dealer i spoke to was trying to get me to spend $600 for one of their "used but inspected" lower units. when i explained to him that i paid $1500 for boat, motor and trailer (and put in about another $300 in restoration) and couldn't possibly justify spending that much on a lower unit he gave me the line (in a very snotty tone), "when you buy a $150 lower unit you're getting a $150 lower unit. i wouldn't trust one." then he very reluctantly told me the info i listed above. due to his attitude i suspect that info to be only somewhat correct. hey, if i had $600 lying around i'd be happy to have a lower unit on my boat and be fishing today instead of searching on ebay for one that will work. the fact is i don't have that kind of money. any help is greatly appreciated!<br /><br />edited to add: model #J90TLCCA; serial #R 7833373

 

[stlrd85]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

bump

 

[stlrd85]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

bump

 

[rodbolt]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

I tend to agree with the dealer. I see to many junk units sold as good ones. I can remember the specific interchange but most any crossflow v4 unit will fit with the proper shift rod from the early 80's to the early 90's. if Dhadly or Joe reeves see this they may have more interchange info. I sell used units that have been torn down and inspected and resealed with a new clutch for about 750 normally. so the price is about right.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

Most any 20" V4 unit from 1978 and newer will work and is a direct bolt on deal. The 1977 140 will fit not the 115 or 85) but youll have to have the 1977 intake manifold and linkage. It'll work but its not a direct bolt on deal.<br /><br />Now, there are some V4 units that are the size of a V6 unit and have a different gear ratio. Those started showing up in the mid 80's and most were 25" shafts. The 1985 20" 120 / 140's had them. These will work but youll need a V6 style prop. <br /><br />Actually a V6 gearcase will work too. Obviously youll need a new prop and it has a rather tall gear ratio for a crossflow V4 powerhead like yours. The way to tell the difference is that the V6 style propshaft uses a fine thread nut and the V4 has a coarse nut. If you go look at a gearcase get some general measurements from yours. Overall length and bullet size. You dont need a micrometer, just general sizes.<br /><br />If you do go with a V6 gearcase, look at the end of the propshaft. If its stamped "cr" that means youll need a left hand or counter rotating prop. No big deal, just something to remember.<br /><br />In the 90's they moved the O ring from the driveshaft to the crankshaft lower bearing retainer. We're not too worried about that as long as you drop the unit and grease the splines with a good waterproof grease every year. <br /><br />A V8 gearcase will bolt up too but you dont want to even go there with that gear ratio.<br /><br />Basically if you find a gearcase that your prop nut screws on to and the shift shaft is removable (unscrews), it will work. Use your shift shaft and height measurement no matter what year the replacement came from. <br /><br />Truthfully, if it were me and I didnt want to change the driveshaft, I'd buy one from iboats or Rodbolt. At least I'd feel comfortable taking the family out with a unit I trusted. And one that has some sort of warranty. And whatever you do -- remember, gear oil is not the place to try to save 50 cents. Or $5.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

$600 would be about half the cost of the gearcase casting with nothing in it, or about the price of a new drive shaft. That makes rodbolts rebuilt case at $750 sound very good to me. Will your local dealer install, and give any kind of a warranty at that price?

 

[alden135]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

My local dealer was kind enough to offer me a well used replacement for $1100 with my core. A pressure/vacume test was going to be extra. Needless to say I bought one on ebay for $450 and it's worked out great. Ebay is a hit or miss thing though.

 

[stlrd85]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

i certainly appreciate all the info! i really think i have to take a chance on ebay because i just don't have that kind of money for a lower unit. i got boat, motor and trailer a year ago for $1500. i put a few hundred into some refurbishing and that's really about as far as i want to go with it. it's hard to spend a minimum of 1/3 of what you paid for everything for just one part, you know?

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

I discussed your gearcase with a fellow mechanic. We can't fix your gearcase for $600. That is the price of your broken drive shaft.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

you may be able to find a used shaft for 100 dollars or so. but new they are rather pricey. you will need a seal kit and water pump as well. I dont think I have any shafts about. a few for some 25" v6 stuff but no v4 stuff that I can think of. I do have a few units I could go through. I was saving them for some winter time fun. after katrina there should be a large supply of used parts .

 

[stlrd85]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

i found a used drive shaft for $75, but i'm saving that for a last resort since i will have to pay to have it put together for me. i found a lower unit from a johnson 1978 115 hp. anyone know if that one would be a direct bolt-up?<br /><br />btw, there is a difference between cheap and broke. i know some of you may think i'm cheap, but i most certainly am not. if i had the money i would buy the inspected and tested part, but i just don't have it. hell, if i had the money i would have bought a newer boat and motor right from the start!!!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

Yes, the 1978 115 is a direct bolt on as long as its from a 20" midsection model (Same driveshaft length as yours).<br /><br />Just be sure its a 1978 and not a 1977. See my other post for details about the shift shaft and overall size.

 

[stlrd85]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

Originally posted by Dhadley:<br /> Yes, the 1978 115 is a direct bolt on as long as its from a 20" midsection model (Same driveshaft length as yours).<br /><br />Just be sure its a 1978 and not a 1977. See my other post for details about the shift shaft and overall size.

thank you...i checked that and it is!

 

[Twidget]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

Send me an email stlrd85. twidget 53 @ yahoo.com

 

[stlrd85]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

well, here's what i won:<br /><br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4571856433

 

[stlrd85]

Re: used johnson lower unit needed

well it arrived today, and while i won't have a chance to install it until sunday, it does appear to fit!<br /><br /><br />thank you to everyone for your help!!!