I have a 1985 175 hp Johnson engine, and I want to change the water pump. My problem is that I cannot even see the bolt at the top of the shift rod. Do I need to remove the carbs to get to it?
no just follow the linkage on the side of the motor back underneath the powerhead youll need a 1/4" drive 6" extention and if i remember correctly a 7/16"socket place a couple layers of masking tape over the end of the socket that way when you push the socket on the bolt itll lock into it and you wont drop it into oblivion reinsert the blot the same way only i like to tape it into the socket then as you tighten the tape breaks and your good to go no magnet sticking to everything on the way in....
You should not need to pull the carbs. Don't feel bad, we all skin a few knuckles on this job. Agree with levi-the 1/4" drive set works well. The mechanism is under the bottom carb and is accessed on the port side of the engine. You will want to shift the mechanism into either forward (or reverse) to improve your access-you will see it when shifted.
