Lower Unit SOS

[cminter]

Hello and thanks for taking the time to read this question.
I have a 1988 Johnson 225 Counter Rotation w/ the long shaft & with a broken gear housing. It is the only power unit on the boat , theres no pair.
I want to obviously change out the lower unit and get back into the water next year. So this is my winter project.
a.) Can I put a standard rotation lower unit on this motor ?
b.) Is the shaft universal , or directional ?
c.) Can I put any V6 lower unit on this motor ?
d.) What are the matching years of lower unit I can use ?

I hate to appear ignorant , but it is far better to learn than not too. Each boat I have had I learned more and more from experiance. It seems like a never ending project that i hate to love sometimes , but it is what it is, right?
Thanks again for your insight and time.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Lower Unit SOS

I'm fairly certain you can swap a used standard rotation leg and be done with the contra rotation, you'll need a prop too.

Take a look on ebay.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Lower Unit SOS

To answer your questions:
A) yes
B) universal between same style engines
C) yes as long as a) it has looper driveshaft (b) it is 25 inch long
D) 1988-1992 as crankshafts changed length in 1993
1993-2003 as long as you order new snap-in drive shaft part #5000623
You can order a new gearcase complete from SEI for $895 with 3 year warranty and buy new shaft and be ready for summer!!

 

[cminter]

Re: Lower Unit SOS

This is a great Site !


One final question : What exactly is a Looper & How does it work ?

Thanks to all for helping me learn to help myself or simply understand.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Lower Unit SOS

Looper is a name for the compression chamber and piston design.

Older cross flow designs shoot the intake fuel straight across the piston top, the piston has a fence or baffle to deflect the fresh charge upwards (otherwise it would shoot straight across the piston and out the exh port.)

The looper deflects the incoming charge upwards due to the port design and there is no piston baffle, so the air/fuel charge "loops" into the top of the chamber toward the sparkplug.