Restoring 20hp ’67 Johnson – Clicking in Lower Unit

[caazi]

Thanks everyone for the help so far, this forum has been a treasure trove of great advice for a newcomer like me restoring my grandfather’s outboard.

I just rebuilt the lower unit and am hearing a clicking/ratcheting sound when I turn the driveshaft by hand. Everything shifts perfectly, the driveshaft and prop move freely and I’m confident I put everything together like I’m supposed to. It sounds like it is from where the driveshaft meets the pinion; when I put it in neutral and spin the prop shaft I have smooth, noise-free movement. The noise also is lessened/disappears if I pull the driveshaft up a bit laterally (there is about a 1/2″ of play between the impeller plate and the water pump housing). Also, there was practically no wear on any of the gears.

Am I just worrying over nothing and this is supposed to be this way? I don’t want to start the motor with something loose and really mess things up.

Thanks

Isaac

[frankr]

Am I just worrying over nothing and this is supposed to be this way?
Yep, it’s supposed to be that way. The gears are bearing the weight of the drive shaft. But not to worry, when it is running, the gears are forced apart, lifting the shaft, and quiet is the word.

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caazi

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