1960 johnson 40 hp died

[cduarte]

was running great until weds, when it stranded me on the CT river. started looking at it closely today, and the flywheel, while tight on the shaft, has considerable play... so it looks like a bad bearing. Is the motor toast or should I start looking for another? When I replaced the coils/points/condensors, I torqued the flywheel properly and used a puller to remove it.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: 1960 johnson 40 hp died

That year of motor was notorious for breaking crankshafts.

 

[cduarte]

Re: 1960 johnson 40 hp died

I don't think the crankshaft is broken, when I turn the prop in gear the crankshaft turns.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1960 johnson 40 hp died

Pull the flywheel again and you'll get a better look at it.

 

[cduarte]

Re: 1960 johnson 40 hp died

I pulled the flywheel again yesterday and there's about 1/8" lateral play in the crank that wasn't there before. it also moves up and down about 1/8". Didn't do that before either. as far as i can tell, it's not broken because I can put it in gear, turn the prop and the crankshaft does turn.

I found a powerhead from a '61 lark that looks identical for $80, guess I'm going to take a chance on it because it's cheap and then I'll have a spare powerhead that can be completely rebuilt.