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83' Johnson 7.5 needle bearing?

M

mprowland

New member
I have a 83' Johnson Seahorse 7.5 (Model:J8RCTA SN:E5742836) that has a "popping out of gear" issue. When I disassembled the lower end, I noticed the two needle bearings that support the drive shaft appear to be missing a needle or two. The needles themselves have a tapered point on each end that slides into a channel on the bearing housing itself. I'm guessing this is to keep the needles from slipping out. The only way to get the needle into the housing itself is to install it diagonally and then straighten once inside the housing. For the inexperienced person(myself), this vacant space seems necessary for seating of the needles. Am I missing a needle or two or is this by design? Thanks for any input...........Mark
 
Can't say for absolute certain because I'm not familiar with that particular model. But almost without exception, needle bearings of that sort should not come apart. And when complete, there should be a bit of space between needles, but not enough space for another needle. Unless I am mistaken, you need a new bearing.
 
Thanks for the input. Here's a couple of pictures of the needle itself and of a new bearing assembly. The needles in the new bearing seem to be leaning to the side. I'm guessing if they were perpendicular to the housing, there would be a sizable gap? I just want to be fairly certain before I spend $60 on new bearings. Is there any trick to removing the upper and lower bearing? They seem pressed into the lower unit housing. Again.....thanks
needle.jpgneedlebearing.jpg
 
Take the bearing # to you local NAPA -----Cheaper than factory parts and no different.-------If you understand how these bearings " work " than those needles on an angle mean nothing !
 
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