'72 Johnson 65hp dropping lower unit (not dropping)

[crewcabz]

Okay, the manual should be here tomorrow But I couldn't wait. Hoping to order parts for water pump tomorrow but wanted the old ones in my hand first. Got all 6 bolts out of the lower unit (never removed since '72) and managed to wiggle the LU around enough to get a small seam showing, but it won't drop! Guess I'm ratting myself out here on the ignorance scale, but does anybody know of something I missed? The book will tell the tale, but I hate not being smarter than a set of nuts and bolts... Any pro-advice for my next rookie attempt (with book in hand)? Hoping to turn this gorgeous little 14' Fiberform yard ornament into the family fishing/play boat.
Thanks-Zeek

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: '72 Johnson 65hp dropping lower unit (not dropping)

Okay, the manual should be here tomorrow But I couldn't wait. Hoping to order parts for water pump tomorrow but wanted the old ones in my hand first. Got all 6 bolts out of the lower unit (never removed since '72) and managed to wiggle the LU around enough to get a small seam showing, but it won't drop! Guess I'm ratting myself out here on the ignorance scale, but does anybody know of something I missed? The book will tell the tale, but I hate not being smarter than a set of nuts and bolts... Any pro-advice for my next rookie attempt (with book in hand)? Hoping to turn this gorgeous little 14' Fiberform yard ornament into the family fishing/play boat.
Thanks-Zeek

is it electric shift? if so there will be some wires that come up just below the power head that you will have to disconnect. use dish soap on the wires to help them slide through the tube, then after its out fish a string or wire down there and tape that to the wires to help pull them back through.


if its not electric shift, there is a shift rod that comes up just behind the starter... starter needs to be removed to get to the rod. theres a retaining screw holding the rod in place.

 

[crewcabz]

Re: '72 Johnson 65hp dropping lower unit (not dropping)

Yes. electric shift... Wires are loose, but lower unit is NOT! Looks like it's pro'lly 37 years of corrosion holding the shaft in place! Works better than a retainer clip... Brute Force is the next step. I'll keep you updated!

 

[crewcabz]

Re: '72 Johnson 65hp dropping lower unit (not dropping)

Well, it's all apart! was just a matter of having the guts to really get some leverage going and work it down. Boy am I glad I did... Every water passage is FULL of or completely coated with sand You can pro'lly guess that the water pump is just water pulp now too.
Well it's into the parts section for me, see if I can't get rid of some of next Friday's pay check a little early. You gotta be kiddin' me... NOTHING listed for the '72 65 HP water pump!$$$ goes to the local marine shop I guess
BTW- broke one water pump bolt off... drilled and easy-outed (kinda) and broke the teeth off of my visegrips pulling on the easy out. It's soaking in oil right now, we'll try pulling on it some more tomorrow.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: '72 Johnson 65hp dropping lower unit (not dropping)

Just part of the joys of boating !!!
Good Luck with everything.

 

[crewcabz]

Re: '72 Johnson 65hp dropping lower unit (not dropping)

Well of course... I broke the easy out off in the bolt! Not so easy, and not out! More heat, and more force coming next. Gotta love the challenge. Seems ironinc that my 14' flatbottom with a 150 Merc. that did over 65 MPH in a quarter mile was much easier to work on! That was nearly 20 years ago and the motor was about 10 years old at the time so... just funny that my little fishing boat is the problem child now!

 

[crewcabz]

Re: '72 Johnson 65hp dropping lower unit (not dropping)

Hmmm.... A three bolt water pump? Broke more off of the easy out trying to get it to spin out! Now it's in there DEEP! ARGHHHHH! Looks like some drill, re-tap and stud time!

 

[crewcabz]

Re: '72 Johnson 65hp dropping lower unit (not dropping)

AAHHHHH... Expoy is drying around the new stud for the water pump! Should be able to get the lower unit on this weekend, then tackle the thermastat. That should do it for the engine for this year, the nit's on to the controls. Electric shift switch is giving me problems (I'll get something going since IF a replacement can be found it will run about $300 ) and the throttle cable is SHOT (easy replacement). Steering sleeve "cover" is showing it's age, but that will pro'lly wait untill next year. Atleast it's going the right direction now!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: '72 Johnson 65hp dropping lower unit (not dropping)

Sounds like you are winning the battle even if it is not as fast as you would like.
What is wrong with the shift ??

 

[crewcabz]

Re: '72 Johnson 65hp dropping lower unit (not dropping)

Gear shift switch in throttle housing is flat worn out! $350 for replacement... still looking into options-