Johnson 35 hp Super Sea Horse 1958 Lower Unit

[Dadio]

Just purchased lower unit to use as a lower unit to an electric powered boat. Glen-L plans, need to cut housing at cavitation plate and cover with 1/4" SS plate. My question is how to take apart so as not to get any fragments inside when cutting, and if the unit was in good running order, will I need to get a seal kit if just pulling apart and re-assemble it?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Johnson 35 hp Super Sea Horse 1958 Lower Unit

I've seen that electric boat plan on Glen-L, keep us updated, preferably with pix, as you go along. Drop the lower unit from the outboard, five or six bolts on the case and a longer/larger bolt on the outside edge of the leg. First open the side access plate and disconnect the shift linkage. Unit should then just drop down/off. Lift the driveshaft out, stuff some rags, etc., down into the cavity and make your cut. You can pressurize the lower unit using a bicycle pump...5 lbs. psi or so...and dip in a bucket of water to see if the seals are leaking...that will tell you if you need a seal kit.

 

[Dadio]

Re: Johnson 35 hp Super Sea Horse 1958 Lower Unit

Thanks for the info. I purchased just the lower unit on EBay and just got notified that it has shipped. This is my second go at electric. First was the Glen-L Tubby Tug 9' tug boat. Modified design and used a trolling motor cut in half and routed controls to ships wheel. Boat I'm building now is "Lo-Voltage:" a 16' Launch. A follow up, how would you pressure test? Through oil filler opening?