lower unit gear case

[Dobi]

in my Intro to the forum I mentioned this, but figured I would bring it down to here where it belongs.

I have a '90 stratos 201 water tank w/1990 Evinrude 200hp

I have a crack in the lower unit, drivers side, right on the "clutch dogs" I am told.
It was due to the lower unit freezing. I'm a heckuva automobile mechanic but don't know much about marine engines or lower units. Guess I may be getting a crash course in it though. lol

I found someone with a '92 johnson fast strike 150hp that said he would sell me the lower unit for a couple hundred dollars. I know johnson / evinrude were/are the same at some point so....

1) would the lower unit bolt onto mine and fix the problem

if not

2) would the casing work and I just have the guts swapped out

if yes to either 1 and/or 2

3) is the $200 range a good price.

Thanks in advance.!

[lilmule]

If the casing would work, would work as is,other than reusing old main and shift rod,problem is the bolt pattern if it matches then your in business.
As late as 1990 a few were made in three bolt pattern,during first few months otherwise a 91 will normally mate to a 2008,this includes the new lightning gearcase,in some newer gear case exchanges one also has to buy a new two piece main.In your case no,id say most lily it would but have your mech check it,as their were a lot of different gear cases small ,large, three bolt then four sometimes all in the same year of mfg.
Bottom line if it bolts up,then it should providing you reuse the main and shift rod from your old case.
Their may also be a gear ratio difference, your rude is a 1.86,I have no experience with switching between the two,but dont really see the difference,other than speed overall and what prop they can run.
200 is a very good price if it fits,just make sure it fits then if nothing else can reuse all of the old if necessary.
In some cases their is a difference also between the 150 but not from 200 on up,or v6 all are the same in other gearcases.
Confusing aint it,1990 and prior is what is the confusion.
Bottom line check ,recheck to make sure it will bolt up.

[Jay Martin]

I'm sure someone will know the answer as for the exchange fit, it not unbolt yours and try it, $200.00 is a bargain if it's all good inside..

[Dobi]

Thanks all, still hoping for a definite answer.

Funny thing, told my friend it sounds like it would work but, "I would have to put my shaft into the lower unit"

... he cracked up laughing.

[lilmule]

I had a problem when I switched mine out,my mech knew to reuse the shift rod,one in the one I bought had a bent shift rod(made that way),it how ever only wanted to shift to one gear not both.Sent a ? to bom and answer that came back was the main had to be reused as well,and would solve the shift problem.
I also gave 400 for mine,but that included his labor,and a new water pump impeller.

[Bullet20dc]

way too cheap. I'd be suspicious of internal problems but if you know the guy and trust him then it's a steal. somewhere in that year range there were subtle differences in shift shaft height and drive shafts.

If you get it measure the height of the shift shaft from a known common point in the neutral position so you have it as a reference when you install it in the "new" one. Make note of how the bend is facing also
You may want to do yourself a favor and replace the water pump impeller and oil also. Just so you don't have to drop it again.

[Dobi]

Okay, I just got confirmation that the lower unit is shot so if it fits, I would definately have to swap my guts into it.

he said his lowest price is $175.

[Bullet20dc]

175 for a watertight case is decent but if you don't have the equipment to
adjust and shim all the bearing races and end play. DON'T TRY IT. It takes special
tools, gauges and know how or you will be looking for another lower in a few weeks.

[Jay Martin]

Charlie's right, it's another ball game when dealing with lower unit's, spend the extra to have someone that know's what they are doing..Make sure they know!!!

[boater777777]

I do alot of things to my boat but I never mess with the lower unit ,as stated there is alot to it and the tools alone to do it are more expensive than having it done.

[Bullet20dc]

my LU tools and gauges run into very high 4 figures and I still have to add on occasionally.
There's a lot more to it than wrenches and screw drivers. Take it to a pro and
get the job done right.

[Dobi]

yea, I've asked one of the local boat mechs that fish's the local pot tournament I partake itn... I'll just stick to my JB welding and running this one until it capoots completly. I need to win 2-3 tournaments and should ahve the $1000- for a new one. http://www.sterndrive.cc seems to have the best deals I've found so far and comes with a 3yr warranty.

Anyone have any experience with that company? He said they are the tits. especially for the price. $795 + waterpump. Said he could swap out my shafts in about an hour.

[lilmule]

Yes that is the gearcase recently sold on ebay,without a water pump impeller and you may need to buy a new two piece main.it is not omc but made like a replica,gear ratio of 1.83.
They also make yammer and merc gearcases.
Will also require a shift rod switch to your old one.
This is also about half the price of an omc one.
for those more north its the same gearcase from here
http://www.dockpartner.com/storefrontprofiles/default.aspx?sfid=70761