Johnson 15 HP Outboard Water Pump Replacement

How to replace a water pump impellor on a 15 HP Johnson Outboard.

[@olsinskute8546]

For people wanting to know how to reattach the gear shift shaft to the gear shift coupler. Make sure the gear shift is in the forward position bringing the shaft to it's lowest point and the gear coupler is pulled all the way up putting the gearing in reverse. Jimmy the shaft into the coupler and use a screwdriver as a lever to keep the coupler as high as possible while you press down on the gear shift to stop the gear shaft riding higher up into the housing, You can wobble the lower leg to make sure the shaft is totally in the coupler. Make sure the screw is removed from the coupler before doing this. Once satisfied that it's all flush use long nosed pliers to put the screw back in and tighten down with screwdriver. Push the lower leg all the way up and screw in place.

[@Living-on-a-Lake]

Ordered a replacement impeller ($15 including shipping) and it arrived today. Thanks to this video and some of the other comments, I've already installed it in my 1986 15 HP Evinrude. Tested it, works fine and ready for more years. I would never have tried this replacement had I not watched this video, so thanks a lot for posting it.

[@seanbalch7563]

I watched this like 6 years ago. Just watched it again for a refresher. Thanks for the info. 2nd impeller replaced same boat.

[@carnivore10]

That's awesome..I'm glad it could help you

[@RealRuler2112]

Thank you for this. I began replacing the water pump on the same exact engine 1 week ago today, then screwed up a seal and needed to order it. Installed it today, then realized that I didn't remember which way the rubber vanes went. Found this video & just got it installed and back on. Tips for those having trouble getting the lower unit back on - the shift rod is bent & has to be facing toward the front of the engine, having it shifted into forward helps, and you have to rotate the flywheel a bit to get the drive shaft to fully engage and allow the lower unit to close up.

[@geetarnut]

If I may mention,, it is always best to clean all threads on the bolts, either using a wirewheel, or, a handbrush, and just before reinstallation, apply a good anti-seize compound to the threads! I say this only as a word of preventive maintenance! I like your videos! It's nice to see someone,, other than myself, with 25 years at this, enjoying himself! Cheers to you!!!

[@AlmightyThor82]

Guys like you are what make KZbin awesome. Thank you for posting the video and saving me money from hiring someone.

[@dustin9516]

Great video. I have a '75 9.9 johnson that doesnt seem to be pushing water out of the bubbler hole. I will find the part and give this a shot asap. But one thing I was wondering, why wouldnt the impeller be made of a heavier aluminum or solid plastic to prevent the dry rotting? There got to be some sort of invention to make this part last longer. Looks super easy, the hardest part looks like the linkage stuff.....thanks again!

[@oliverhill5197]

Don't even know why I was watching this.. Was looking for cat videos. But still watched the whole thing!! Excellent quality. Wish our local outboard services did the same quality!

[@theadhouse]

Thanks... good repairs on my old Johnson are getting harder to find so I end up doing it myself... videos like this make the world a much better place for us boaters ;)

[@jamescarnall7510]

Very well done I watched this video to find out where the linkage connection was located on this motor (some, like my 94' ocean pro 175 are up top near the power head) Thanx a lot, I'm now confident and will be doing this job asap (just got a 74' 9.9 kicker engine, fired up n runs great but needs a water pump kit) I read some of the comments regarding "skipping over" the linkage re connection and feel that's pretty much self explanatory. I had no questions about what or how to do this job after watching this. Well done man keep it up, you just got a sub....

[@bluguitar55]

The water pump went out today was going to junk the motor until I watched this video. Thanks a lot you just saved a motor.

[@SlaveToMyStomach]

Watched you video and I've finally tried it. I got as far as attempting to disconnect the shift linkage. In your video you make a jump cut from breaking the bolt free (using a flat blade screw driver) to having it removed altogether. Should mention that the shift shaft has a grove machined in it all the way around so the bolt must be completely removed before pulling the lower unit. But beware, the lower unit cannot be pulled too far down before removing the bolt else the threads will be damaged by the shaft. I'm now in the process of locating (on-line) a replacement bolt.

[@SlaveToMyStomach]

I know it's bad form to replay to ones own comment, but I just want to say it's still a great video, thanks.

[@paullightfoot6020]

Absolutely brilliant demonstration on how to replace Evinrude 15 hp Impeller. Thank you, thank you so much :)

[@carnivore10]

Paul Lightfoot - Thank you my friend, I hope it helped you.

[@edmartin3820]

Great tutorial. Straight forward, right to the point. Thanks for taking the time to make this.

[@julies1ify]

Thanks for the Workmate idea, had one for years & never thought about using it for this

[@ballhawk387]

Very well done, for the most part, aside from the matters other people have mentioned about unscrewing bolts and omitting re-connection of the linkage. Would have been better to cut past unscrewing so many bolts, and just show where they are.

[@nuclearslug]

Excellent video, I feel confident now in swapping out my impeller this weekend.

[@Trawlerguy]

Nice instructional - other than spending half the video unscrewing bolts and then skipping the difficult linkage reconnect. Just want to point out that it makes absolutely no difference at all how the vanes are aligned (clockwise or counterclockwise) when installing a new impeller. in the first 1/4 turn when you begin to start the engine, the vanes will flip to the proper alignment. Always - in every pump with flexible rubber impeller vanes - whether it's a small outboard or a big marine diesel.

[@masdbo]

Thanks, I always wondered about that.

[@drmrjon]

That is absolutely not true. I have had them stay clocked the WRONE direction thinking they would flip. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.

[@sieranen]

@@drmrjon Totally agree. I've taken impellers out where a few of the blades have been flipped, and the rest have been fine.

[@tmq1384]

Perfect video. About to change the impeller on my '87 20hp Johnson. Very informative!

[@geetarnut]

Boy,, have I done this through the years! LOL! I have a small outboard shop for 25 years now, and this is one of my favorite outboards, along with the 25/35 h.p. J & E motors as well!

[@glenny251]

good vid. I was doing this to my 4hp merc. Same set up really. I found it alot easier to seat the impeller and the pin/key first then lower the housing while turning the shaft clock wise. A little lube hepped too. The linkage was so tricky though going back together, Its a fine tune there.

[@johnc.6645]

The best I've seen on u tube about replacing water pump.

[@SVFullSend]

Saved me a bunch of time trying to figure out how to do this, big thanks111

[@cortlandtrowing5269]

could not be more straightforward or clear, thanks a lot.

[@mrgarystrand]

Fantastic demo. Left no questions in my mind.

[@holdenguy75]

Cant find a vid on a 7.5 hp impeller change fairly similar except for the shift rod. Great stuff mate thanks.

[@jdhavo11]

Outstanding video. I liked the explanation on how to remove the lower unit and the considerations about the rotation of the motor. Thanks a bunch.

[@BasVossen]

thanks for this post. Video didn't contain the shift linkage reassembly, but I'm sure ppl will understand. I assume this is the same for a 15hp Evinrude 2 stroke.

[@totteni]

Hi Tom! Nice to see that you seem to come of the winter lair :-) Didn't catch the previous one as I was travelling then. Been lying very low myself these last months lot's of work, some flu and other nice occupations. Never worked on outboards myself, interesting to see. Good and instructive if i ever came to it.

[@123pwop]

Thanks, gonna give it a shot this weekend !!!

[@ErgoCogita]

*ATTENTION* Scroll down to find the comment from Olsin Skute for a very important addition to this walkthrough regarding reattaching the shift rod linkage. If not done right, you will could have problems with shifting and even if no problems with shifting surface at first, it may very well once you put in and run for a bit. I followed through this video to the "T" and within a few minutes after putting in, I started getting rather abrupt jolts (gear skipping). So do some extended throttling tests in the driveway before you go out.

[@chrishorv7099]

Your very knowledgeable..I want you to ask your wife for a set of speed wrenches for Christmas!!

[@Chevyfan-tl2kw]

Chris Horv agree

[@darenhigginbotham7472]

Thank you for the informative video. I now feel that I can at least understand how to do this for myself.

[@carnivore10]

Oh that's great..ty for watching

[@owenaquilina5001]

Dear what is the purpose of the keeper underneath the linkage gearbox joint. I lost the nylon tapered keeper can I replace it with a small O ring please so the linkage nut will not slip off? Thanks in advance, very informative video

[@maxsollie]

Best gear setting for connection gear linckage pleez, I’m about to go mental😬 that Linkrod just wont cooperate

[@ronniepaulinc]

In order to get the drive shaft to release freely you have to take the cover off the motor and turn the flywheel slowly until the key that is on the top of the drive shaft lines up with the slot. You can not see all of this happening, you just have to slowly turn that flywheel and that lower end will fall to the ground so have someone hold it or put a cushion under it.. you will have to do the same in reverse to put the shaft back up... If you do not have as much room as he does with removing the shift linkange turn the flywheel to make more room.... then be very careful because everything is lined up and ready to fall..

[@quietwyatt2004]

+Ronnie Paul I agree he quickly skipped thru a few steps, like when putting everything back together. I am thinking about trying to do this to mine. repair shop wants $130. where you able to do your own? any other tips?

[@ronniepaulinc]

yes, i broke my pin putting it back in though. Went to autoparts store with remaining piece and got new one for pennies. My regret is i did not take note of how much of that pin protrudes out. Just had to keep snipping off the new one until it would go up into the flywheel. Lots of additional work...

[@Living-on-a-Lake]

Thanks for the tip about the flywheel - I was unable to reach the top shaft linkage so just put it all back together, but now, I think I"ll give it another try. My motor is a 15HP 1986 Evinrude and seems to be exactly like this Johnson.

[@DABURG4ME]

Linkage may go back together easier if in forward position, with linkage at it's highest point.

[@markthomas4083]

Great video sir! Just to help others, find a 3/8 wrench.

[@kilercounts]

Thanks for takin the time to do this and share it with us, it was a big help to me, adios

[@jnodella]

hello there, thanks for making a impeller replacement seem so simple, people always seem to make them sound like they are a nightmare, but the real reason im here, i need to replace the impeller on my 1965 60Hp johnson super seahorse would this procedure be similar? any comments or tips would be appreciated!! thanks and keep posting

[@Rich3553]

Thank you so much. Clear, simple and direct. I really love it. :-)

[@wilsonvorasane9475]

My friend you did good a good job. ,but I didn't see. When you put in the shift link Gage screw in. Next Tim can you show complete installations. Please. Thanks

[@kenbell2745]

You should always replace the rubber connecting the pump to the tube, Just buy a complete kit it has everything You need. Examp18-3327 Water Pump Repair Kit Use silicone grease and antiseize on bolts

[@jasonmichaels558]

Excellent video!

[@carnivore10]

Jason..Thank you.

[@dillonwest8800]

Thanks for this video. Looks quite straightforward! I have a johnson fd-19d (1965 18hp) that has not ran in 20 years. Are there any parts (gaskets) in the lower end that I should replace while I am in there? I noticed in the video you mentioned a rubber boot that goes seals the pump to the upper unit...I will try to get that as well. On the bolts, any ideas on the torque for water pump housing and the lower unit? Thanks for your help!

[@hmonggolf]

This is a great video. Just wondering if there is not water coming out of the pee hole, will this fix it? or is there something else going on?

[@alcheckalski9716]

Changing the pump impeller is the easy part. Getting the shift linkage back together so it will work correctly is the impossible part for me. I have a 1975 Evin 15hp and I'm stuck and will most likely have to take it to a mechanic because I simply cannot get that linkage back together. Would have liked to see how you managed that part of the reassembly. but you skipped right over it. Is there a trick to that?

[@mitc0185]

great video. might need to do this over the weekend this really helps.

[@cherylyelland9467]

Hi ,,, what does it mean when you replace the pump and it will not pee out the water?

[@anthonymuro4917]

Nice vid 👍🏼, hey I have a 1978 Johnson 15hp. But my motor won’t shift into forward .. you think the shift linkage was set wrong ? Thanks

[@805ROADKING]

Fine job Buddy!! I love my Workmate, looks like you might have the first one ever made eh!!☺

[@johnharrelson8105]

i have a 9.9HP Johnson outboard motor that was sitting in my grandfathers shed for 13 years cranked right up, it is not peeing, i have taken a air compressor and sprayed through the pee hole front and back, when i put the water hose to the copper pipe in the foot it sprays water out the pee hole as normal, replaced the impeller, and even tried reversing the way the impeller fins are facing, i am getting no peeing at all. any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[@Alex_Willis]

9yrs later but thermostat

[@TBill2]

Thanks. Will save.

[@douglasleigh7814]

thanks cobb got it all done, thanks to your video

[@stephenkeeling7549]

Hate it when you watch the whole thing and they skip part of the process. I needed to see that part.

[@Live_Outdoors]

Hey video was a big help. But I am having trouble. Once the lower unit was re installed I can't shift to forward?. Any thoughts.

[@newyota1]

why didn't you show getting the linkage back together?That can be a alittle tricky since the shift lever can move while you are trying to get the block on the shaft.

[@mrsmartyg122]

we have an Evinrude E15RLESR (long shaft). to get to the impeller, do we remove the same six bolts (upper) or the lower six bolts? Do we have to remove the upper because of that shifter linkage, and the lower?

[@SlaveToMyStomach]

Great video since this motor, Johnson 15HP, is exactly what I have. Now, I'll feel a little more confident when replacing the impeller. Just a few questions, and some have already been asked but not yet answered that I can see. 1. Since the drive shaft connection to the motor is up and out of sight how does the drive shaft engage with the motor? Other commenters have mentioned that the flywheel might have to be turned a little to re-engage. Any advice or trouble shooting hints in case there are problems re-engaging the shaft at the upper end? 2. How does the shift linkage (that was disconnected / reconnected) move, does it move up and down or rotate? I ask in case the linkage is reconnected incorrectly. 3. Are there any "torque specifications" for the (4) pump housing bolts and the (6) lower unit bolts? "Just tight" may be adequate for en experienced person but the only things I tighten on a regular basis are spark plugs and lug nuts, I 'know' just how much I can torque those, not sure about these bolts. Yes, I have a torque wrench.

[@AaronGoSoFast]

Richard Marton, did you get it all figured out yet? I basically have the same questions. Figured you might have made some headway in the last 3 months.

[@edzgarage]

Nice work Buddy! Should all set for fishing season.

[@pablitomurillo]

Hi, I´m having a little problem with the shift rod CONNECTOR There is some trick to conect the 2 shift rods with the connector ?

[@thatruthhurts1670]

I bought a 9.9 and I replaced the water pump but the guy lost the screw for the linkage and I’m catching hell getting the linkage back in the connector any tips

[@newyota1]

I pulled my lower unit off on my 9.9hp and when it was back together and I shift it to reverse and back to neutral it does not go in neutral.I have to push lever back alittle and then to neutral for it to disenegage.Could I have done something wrong?I had to replace the brass block since someone else had stripped the threads for the bolt and had just put a bolt and nut thru the hole to hold it.Is there anything to adjust on the lower shift rod?

[@frankgonzalez5666]

Great video.answered many questions I had. Is the 1988 30 hp the same as the 15hp.thanks

[@mikedeeley8924]

Advice please. I have undone the 6 bolts and I worked the gearcase down about 1/4" however not far enough to get a large flat head screwdriver in to disconnect the shifter rod. I have tried hammering down on the gearcase and levering it but I cannot get a big enough gap. I suspect either the drive shaft spline is holding in the head or maybe the shifter rod is stopping further movement. I've tried turning the flywheel both in and out of gear. Suggestions please thanks Mike Dartmouth UK

[@RealRuler2112]

This is probably too late, but try shifting into forward; it drops the shift rod by ~1/4".

[@SeeMooreVids]

Going to change out pump impeller on 1990 Johnson 8 hp, Is process the same? By the way; you make a great instructor. Nice job.

[@GmGarlo]

what are the signs ,that your impellor is wore out ? GREAT STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@carnivore10]

HI GMGario. .signs would be a very low or no water stream. It being what cools your motor it's an inexpensive part..fairly easy to reapair..well worth replacing if you are in doubt..Thank you for watching!

[@mpeter2612]

On the shift linkage bolt, does that bolt come all the way out, mine cones out a little, but then binds up.

[@ronsteitz4535]

When tightening bolt on shift linkage,do lightly. Brass fitting can be stripped by overnighting.🤔😬

[@leafsfanforever769]

Great video, looks at easy as playing with legos

[@jeffrecabin]

I blew the lower unit in my 15 hp 1990 johnson because the oil leaked out and I didn't know it so it ceased up, i have another one ready to put in, but my question is will there be damage to the area the upper shaft goes into?

[@Wingsfan817]

I tried replacing my water pump on an 80 hp mercury all went well till I went to put it back in and now I cant shift into forward I can however shift into neutral and reverse any suggestions?

[@patrickmuller590]

thanks to you very much ☺ Patrick from germany

[@tintane5906]

Good job ! But do you really have to be careful about the sens (clockwise) of the impeller ? Because what's happen with the impeler when you reverse the engine ? The sens of the bends are going counterclockwise or still being clockwise ?

[@gogleplussucks2896]

Engine doesn't reverse, the gears are below the water pump so this shaft always spins the same way regardless.

[@BoeingRules100]

This could save me £100.00 or about $150.00 by doing this myself, always fun to learn new things and save money

[@kaulanakeaunui12]

Hi I have a 7.5hp Johnson and I'm trying To drop the lower unit To change the impeller but I can't seem to get it loose does it have that shifter linkage Also that I need to take out?? Also is it necessary to remove the power unit to drop the lower unit??

[@bigcheese54494]

Hi carnivore10 I have a 68 fast twin evinrude .Would the procedure be similar? Great vid thanks a lot for posting

[@pescaymas9831]

Hey what is the ratio oil to mix on 15 hp ever use sea horse?

[@jacobfootball35]

hi ive got a 2.5 hp johnson j3rcua and i changed the water pump and it still isnt pissing water. should it be pissing water and if so where at?

[@condimentking14]

dose dose the cylinder head have to be pulled to get to the thermostat

[@mpoertner]

Whats on the other end of that shaft? Don't you need to fasten it to the motor somehow?

[@giannikosmichail4317]

good job ,thanks from greece.

[@robdavidson5821]

When I pulled lower unit out shaft stayed in upper unit?

[@michaelayers4174]

Make sure you tighten the shift linkage screw before tightening the lower housing screws. he didn't show this

[@cherubrock74]

great video thank you so much for posting

[@woodsracing]

Well done sir..I have to do this as soon as I can..they sell a new water pump kit or just propeller like you done..do I need the kit ?

[@dynocompe]

usually no you wont need the whole kit, unless you want everything new, but waste of money if you ask me!

[@wtfnowhey]

Thanks for the video. Helpful stuff.

[@123pwop]

Nice, but why didn`t you show how to hook the shift linkage back up, seems it`s a bit tricky ? Help !! Good video tho !

[@carnivore10]

Hello mine was dead simply..the rod fits in the coupling and is tightened by a flat head screwdriver.. lol Thank you for watching.

[@Dinkymaster7]

Would it be a good idea to grease every single bolt on the lower unit? Nice vid btw!

[@iansrving]

What happens if you accidentally pull the shaft out?

[@sonofjabba]

Why can't you just stab the drive shaft back in if it accidentally comes out. It's as if there is a spring on it. Is there some trick to putting it back in? I wanted to convert a XL Shaft back to a plain long shaft. Thanks Pat

[@gogleplussucks2896]

Gears won't line up, have to open up the bottom and reseat the shaft. _Sometimes_, but rarely, if you're REALLY careful when removing one shaft, and don't jostle the bottom at all, you can get the shaft (or another one) put back in.

[@joseluisvb7286]

Can you please tell me how to remove the impeller pin ? My old impeller is stuck not sure if it's because of the pin or something else. I don't have enough space to push the pin out how should I do ??

[@dynocompe]

probably siezed on. Lube it up with some wd 40, tape it gently with a hammer.

[@ronniepaulinc]

I have a johnson 6hp cd-24d and did everything you just did except for the "comes right out part" after I disconnect the shift linkage I can pull on that lower part all I want and it does not come out. I have watched videos on my exact model and same thing, they are worried it will fall off after they disconect that linkage, but mine does not come free.. SOME ADVICE PLEASE!!! HELP

[@ronniepaulinc]

no, there is a pin at the top of the shaft that has to align properly for it to fall free

[@mpoertner]

Oh, I didn't catch that! Thanks for the reply!

[@tazferguson1276]

When I try to pull it mine goes in to forward and I can diss connect it plz help

[@jahmakecan]

Hey buddy, you did'nt show the reconnection process of the shifter cable.

[@francimasaza8749]

difficult

[@sqhunter65]

Very good video very informative

[@damkayaker]

Excellent video! I have a 1992 Evinrude 9.9 that has been in storage unused for 5 years. Got around to cleaning it up, got fresh gas, cranked over after 10 pulls. But I noticed right away no water was coming out the outlet. What causes the impeller to fail? Does the rubber part separate from the metal central core? Or is it that the blades break off? I haven't taken it apart yet, wanted to check out videos 1st. I'm thinking of buying the water pump repair kit # 394711 instead of just the impeller. What do you think?

[@dynocompe]

hi Dam, i am not experienced boat mechanic, but the impeller is rubber, and if not used it will dry rot. Some people say in small hp boat engines the impeller should be changed yearly especially if operated in shallow waters! They just take more damage to do the sandy water in shallow water. But if sitting for five years, chances are that rubber is rotted out! You could always take it apart and make sure the water tube isnt plugged with debris as well.! Buying the whole kits willl never hurt, but if your parts are in good shape, you are just wasting your money! Good luck

[@damkayaker]

dynocompe After doing the water pump repair kit/impeller and snapping off 3 of the 12 bolts on the middle and lower unit housing, I still wasn't getting water from the outlet hose. It was clogged with dirt possibly from insects, ants, bees, or hornets??? I pulled the hose out and cleaned it out and the motor is running like new again. I had to drill out and tap the 3 bolts I broke which was an ordeal. I recommend checking the hose 1st. I put a new thermostat in too which cost more than the water pump kit.

[@robert0371]

Thanks for posting this!

[@Chooman69]

Awesome video buddy. Nice to have talent.