'99 115 Leaking driveshaft seal- Excess driveshaft play, worn retainer?

[Captain Jeff]

1999 Johnson 115 V4. The drive shaft seals just below the water pump keep wearing out and water leaks into the gearcase. I replaced these once already and in less than a season they were already worn. There also seems to be extra drive shaft wear from contacting the waterpump housing. This is the 2 piece driveshaft. I noticed there is excessive play if you wiggle the drive shaft. I believe this is why the seals go bad so fast. I found another post with a similar problem: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=173745

It looks like the drive shaft retainer clip and pin may be worn causing the drive shaft play. Has anyone else had this experience?

Also, it looks like I will need to remove the propshaft and bearing carrier as well as the entire drive shaft in order to replace the retainer clip. Do I need to shim the driveshaft after this procedure?

Thank You

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: '99 115 Leaking driveshaft seal- Excess driveshaft play, worn retainer?

It looks like the drive shaft retainer clip and pin may be worn causing the drive shaft play.

The clip/pin justs hold DS in place so it dont fall out, the DS is splined and fits splines in the lower DS and some sloppy play is normal. If it is wearing the water pump plate egg shaped the upper or lower DS splines are worn. Remove unit and take to a dealer and have DS removed with tool, takes about 5 minutes and you dont have to tear gearcase apart to inspect.