1985 Johnson 2 HP lower unit removal

[Captain Jeff]

I'm trying to get the lower unit off my 2 HP Johnson Seahorse motor that I use for trolling/auxiliary. When I remove the two main bolts fastening the lower unit to the main section of the motor, I can pull it down about 1/2 an inch. There is no shift rod to disconnect. Only the driveshaft and water tube. Does the driveshaft need to be disconnected and how? Or is something else stuck? Thanks!

 

[BF]

Re: 1985 Johnson 2 HP lower unit removal

Hiya,<br /><br />I've got a ~78 vintage 2 hp. Changed the impeller last summer and don't remember there being any trick to it. There isn't a cross pin or anything in the driveshaft (at least on mine). Was one of the easier OB jobs I've done. Maybe the end of the driveshaft is just corroded and stuck in the motor? Can you tell whether that 1/2" of play is movement at the bottom or at the top? Probably the bottom, the drive shaft lifting out of the gear in the foot, and it drops a bit before the impeller holds it. I'd be careful not to pry it too hard etc and break the water pump housing. Better if you could get narrow vice grips on the driveshaft and pry from there (?).<br /><br />not much help I know... but good luck.<br /><br />Brent

 

[Captain Jeff]

Re: 1985 Johnson 2 HP lower unit removal

Thanks, it seems as though the play is at the bottom. I was expecting this to be a piece of cake compared to other motors I've done but it turns out not quite. I'll see what I can do.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1985 Johnson 2 HP lower unit removal

More than likely one of two things. Either the water tube has glued itself to the grommet in the top of the waterpump housing OR the driveshaft is stuck in the powerhead. Gently applied brute force may be necessary. My personal fave is wooden wedged driven between the lower housing and exhaust housing. Dribbling PB Blaster or Kroil down the driveshaft may help the second scenario...<br /><br />- Scott