1972 Johnson lower unit

[dannyamanda]

I have a 125ESL72R outboard that aint pumpin' water. Got lucky, noticed it at the house in a cut down 55 gallon drum. Thought maybe the exhaust was just pushin the water around to much for it to pick up (wishful thinking) so i tried the earmuffs, no luck. It just spit out steam and smoke. So my question is; I never pulled a lower unit before needless to say a lower unit with electric shift, but my pop's done plenty manual shifts. IF I enlist his help what kind of differences would we be up against?

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1972 Johnson lower unit

Hi Danny...welcome aboard.<br /><br />The only difference is the wires to the electric shift. Look on the starboard side of the engine for two wires (green and blue) that go into a hole in the lower side of the block. Pull back the rubber boots and disconnect the knife connectors. Tie a strong piece of string to the connectors coming from the hole. This is to guide the wire harness back up when you reassemble the lower unit. Remove the bolts attaching the lower unit to the midsection and drop the lower unit. Add a little lube to the wire harness so it will go through the hole easier. <br /><br />If you have anymore questions, don't hesitate to post....thanks.

 

[Old Head]

Re: 1972 Johnson lower unit

Hi Danny.<br /><br />I have the same engine. One thing about it -- it's got no telltale for the water pump. The two exhaust slots are strictly for pressure relief, so you don't get much more than a fine mist out of them, even when the engine's fully warmed up. Cooling water exits the slots just above the cavitation plate. Put it on the muffs and see if you get warm water out of those slots after it's idled for five minutes or so. <br />If you do have to replace the pump, it's fairly straightforward. I find it's easier to mess with the wire than with the shift rod. As I recall, the pump kit is pricy -- in the hundred buck range.

 

[alcan]

Re: 1972 Johnson lower unit

Hi Danny<br />You are probably due for a water pump service. Don't neglect the t-stats. Inpsect and test the entire cooling system. Also do note that is possible for a water pump to suck exhaust gases while operating in a confined test tank. This would have the effect of running the pump dry. also if a pump sucks air (gas) it doesn't pump water (looses it's prime). The solution, use both muffs and test tank at the same time.

 

[dannyamanda]

Re: 1972 Johnson lower unit

Hey thanks for the help. We are going to try to tackle it this weekend, after my boss takes me fishin that is. The kit was about $100 bucks. and by the way my motor does have a tale tell. It was added by a previous owner.