Upper Crankcase Seal

[Thompy_04]

Got the link and sync adjustment finished yesterday on my 1960 Johnson 18 HP a couple of days ago, and its still acting funny at idle. It doesn't like to idle up to high, just a real low dull idle. Looked at the upper crankcase seal and it was leaky, just a little. Not to much, but since i don't have anything else to do might as well dig in some more. Need some help here, the manual is horrible once again. I need some info on where I can get this seal, and a general clue how this thing works, and also what special tools imma need to get this thing out and back in there. Thanks guys.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Upper Crankcase Seal

Hi Thompy. You should be able to get the seal from any John/Rude dealer. What I have here at home don't go back that far so I can't give you a number on the seal. Check when I get to the shop this morning.<br /><br />If you can see the seal on top, below the cam, here's how I used to get them out before I went big time and got the "special tools". Remove the magneto plate so you got some room to work and remove the drive shaft flywheel key. Drill two small holes 180* apart in the seal. Becareful to just go throught the seal metal part. Run a small screw into each hole just enough to get hold of the seal. Put a small pry under the screw heads and pop the seal out. Check the area under the seal for shavings and debris and clean out. To put the new seal in, I found a piece of pipe that would fit down over the drive shaft and was about the same diameter as the seal. This let me tap in the new seal. Pay attention to the old seal as to how far in it is so the new seal can be tapped in the same. Also look for burrs that might catch the new seal in the hole and remove. It was a little time consuming but for the home wrench, it's better than spending a bunch of money on a special tool that you might only use once.<br /><br />By the by....nice are ya' live in....Portsmouth. Been through there a time or two.....

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Upper Crankcase Seal

When replacing this seal, do not try to pry it out using the edge of the stator plate bearing on the top of the block. These are quite thin, and easy to break off. Then you have real trouble. OBJ's method sounds like a good way to go.

 

[itstippy]

Re: Upper Crankcase Seal

OBJ you are ingenious.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Upper Crankcase Seal

I like it.

 

[Thompy_04]

Re: Upper Crankcase Seal

Thanks for the input OBJ. Sounds easy enough to do, its just finding the parts, a 1960 is awfully aged. I'll check around, but my local Johnson dealer doesn't have many "vintage" parts in stock. By the way, Portsmouth, what a town. Not to knock on it or anything, but I can't wait to get out. I'm in my sophomore year in college, finishing up some minor things before transfering and moving to Columbus to attend Ohio State. Law profession, so I can buy a bigger boat.