Reply To: 1958, 5.5 Hp Johnson CD-15 water pump advice

[LARRY CATON]

I think I answered my own question.  The close up photo shows scoring on the driveshaft where it rubs on the “upgraded” pump housing.  Testing in a bucket showed that water leaks out around the shaft. This pump needs a new impeller and wear plate.  Spinning the driveshaft with a drill showed that in its current condition it doesn’t send water very far (see picture).  The original style pump’s impeller needs replacing, but it’s still flexible.  Testing with the drill, it sent water 10 feet away from me.  I already have a new impeller for the original style pump, so I figure that’s the pump housing I should use when making the two outboards into a functional one.

There’s about 3/16″ of vertical play in the scored driveshaft.  I don’t know if that’s normal, and will be taken up by the spring pressure at the top end.  The other unit has little to no vertical play in the driveshaft.  Both of these have water in the gearbox, so I guess I’ll learn more once I open them up.  I replaced the driveshaft, shift rod, prop shaft, and spaghetti seals on my FD-10, so I’m guessing it’s going to be the same basic procedure.  Hopefully, one lower unit will be in obviously better condition than the other.

1956 Johnson 15 Hp, FD-10
1957 Johnson 5.5 Hp, CD-14
1958 Johnson 5.5 Hp, CD-15