1988 120hp Johnson bearing housing

[Granny13]

I just purchased an 1988 Johnson 120hp motor and it started leaking lower unit oil out of the prop. I picked up 2 new oil retainer seals and an O-ring. I removed the prop and the 4 screws from inside the exhaust. I loosend the bearing housing by tapping a screw driver that was placed in the small slot along the bottom of the bearing housing. The bearing housing turned with a little force and after it loosend up I pulled it out with a pair of plires. I replaced the O-ring and the oil retainer seals and I started putting it back together. My question: Does the bearing housing screw in until it locks into place or should it move freely until the 4 bolts are put back in? I bought the service manual but I can not find anything specific about this.<br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br /><br />Granny

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1988 120hp Johnson bearing housing

Welcome Granny!! <br /><br />The carrier slides in. We use two long studs to line up the screw holes and the retaining ring. Start the other two, remove the long studs and replace the last two screws. <br /><br />Dont forget those 4 screws have O rings that need replacing too.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Granny13]

Re: 1988 120hp Johnson bearing housing

Dhadley,<br /><br />Thank you for the welcome and the quick response! Are the 4 O-rings on the screws just a general O-ring or do I need to pick them up at a marine store? I didn't take a very close look at them.<br /><br />Also...what purpose do the Snap Rings serve? What is the difference between Mechanical and Hydro-Mechanical Gearcase? Which do I have?<br /><br />Thanks again,<br /><br />Granny

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1988 120hp Johnson bearing housing

I'm not sure if the 4 small O rings are generic or not. With the cost of gears I always used the OE ones. <br /><br />The snap rings hold the retainer ring in place. The retainer ring holds the bearing carrier.<br /><br />You have a mechanical shift case.

 

[clewis3510]

Hello. Im dealing with the same lower unit there are 2 slots. Do the retaining rings go in one slot together or one in each slot?

 

[tpenfield]

Welcome to iBoats, . . @clewis3510

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