PO-15 lower unit question

[David Bartlett]

Hello,

I am building a PO-15 from my parts bin and looking through the parts manual it seems there is a thrust washer between the upper and lower driveshafts. I may have one in my “stuff” but want to know if there is anything special about this washer or if it is just a generic one.
I am currently in the process of sorting and cleaning the best parts, checking bearings, etc.

Thanks for your help!

David Bartlett
Pine Tree Boating Club Chapter

"I don't fully understand everything I know!"

[George Emmanuel]

It is a hardened steel washer that supports the weight and force of the upper driveshaft. Without it, the driveshaft will bottom out on the bushing of the pinion shaft and eat it up.

George

1 user thanked author for this post.

David Bartlett

[David Bartlett]

George,

thank you for your help. I will dig through my stuff and see if I have the correct washer.

David Bartlett
Pine Tree Boating Club Chapter

"I don't fully understand everything I know!"

[outbdnut2]

FYI Dave B. I have a PO-15. I was able to come up with a couple parts that I attached to the end of my grease gun so I could pump grease into the gearcase, as I was told not to use gear oil. I used water-resistant wheel bearing grease recommended for boat trailer wheel bearings. I was able to pump it in until it came out the vent.

Dave

1 user thanked author for this post.

David Bartlett

[David Bartlett]

outbdnut2 wrote:

FYI Dave B. I have a PO-15. I was able to come up with a couple parts that I attached to the end of my grease gun so I could pump grease into the gearcase, as I was told not to use gear oil. I used water-resistant wheel bearing grease recommended for boat trailer wheel bearings. I was able to pump it in until it came out the vent.

Dave

Outboardnut,

Thanks. I am very familiar with the PO-15. I have a 1948 that is a great runner and probably my favorite motor. I run corn head grease in it.

I’m just playing with my parts bin to see what I can make!

David Bartlett
Pine Tree Boating Club Chapter

"I don't fully understand everything I know!"

[Waunnaboat]

outbdnut2 wrote:

FYI Dave B. I have a PO-15. I was able to come up with a couple parts that I attached to the end of my grease gun so I could pump grease into the gearcase, as I was told not to use gear oil. I used water-resistant wheel bearing grease recommended for boat trailer wheel bearings. I was able to pump it in until it came out the vent.

Dave

i’m not an expert by any means, but you should probably not use wheel bearing grease.  its a bit too thick for use in gearcases to my knowledge, unless your motor has the world’s leakiest seal.  As somebody who has worked on  and examined some wheel bearings and plenty of outboard LUs, I can tell you that a wheel bearing does not need nearly as much circulation as a gearcase does when you consider how much grease actually is moved around by a wheel bearing.  the nice thing (I’ve heard) about corn Head is that it becomes more viscus when moved around, so it will allow for better circulation and better heat distribution and overall wear.

"Outboards seem to multiply exponentially..........I find that for every finished project, there are two more waiting to be completed."

[David Bartlett]

Ok,

Question 2 regarding the PO. The parts breakdown shows a spring in the automatic exhaust valve on the exhaust leg. None of my spares have the spring, nor does my running PO. I’m wondering if there is a reason not to use the spring as long as the piston moves freely?

Thanks again!

David Bartlett
Pine Tree Boating Club Chapter

"I don't fully understand everything I know!"

[Author]

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