Johnson 15 hp driveshaft

[CER79]

Lost my lower unit last night while heading down the river. Didn't hit any thing checked the prop just in case and it is fine . I know it is in the lower unit because if I put the motor in gear, R or F, pull the starter the prop shaft does not turn. I had this lower unit apart 4 or 5 years ago to replace the lower case and it was kind of a pain. I am presently looking for a whole lower unit to just bolt on, however am only having luck finding long shafts in my area . I would like to salvage my existing drive shaft, water tube and shift linkage and use it in the long shaft case lower unit. I can't recall how the pinion gear is attached to the shaft and (splined or pinned). My question is can the drive shaft be pulled with out getting into the lower unit itself. I realize I will have to pull the water pump assembly and shaft seals. I am assuming the problem is with the pinion gear on the bottom of the drive shaft or with connection of the pinion gear to the drive shaft as the problem is common to both F & R .
Thanks
Chris

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Johnson 15 hp driveshaft

What year/model Johnson?

and are you sure you do not have a shifter problem?

In my '81 J35 I can pull the driveshaft right up and out of the LU and then put it back in (with the water pump removed). It works well other than the air pressure build up when I replace it which makes you have to replace it slowly not to blow a seal.

 

[CER79]

Re: Johnson 15 hp driveshaft

Thanks for the reply. It's a 91 15 hp Johnson. Trying to get away without tearing into the LU too far! Not totally sure its not a shifter problem but figured it was about time to replace the lower case as well since it has seen some hard use in rivers . Like I said originally was hoping to salvage my drive shaft and use it in a newer/used long shaft case I was thinking about buying. Just can't remember if once I remove the water pump and seals if I can just pull out the drive shaft with the pinion gear on the end. I am still keeping my eyes open for a short shaft intact unit to buy but not finding much in my price range.

Thanks
Chris