Questions in removing lower shaft from 73 Johnson

[WDC]

I am removing the lower shaft to get at the water pump.<br /><br />So far I removed 7 bolts,One in front of the trim tab, one holding the trim tab,One hidden above the trim tab. amd four bolts below the cavitation plate. I have also removed the small bolt holding the shift rod under the carburarator allowing the shift rod to go through.<br /><br />It seems still stuck on but loose. Any suggestions.

 

[WDC]

Re: Questions in removing lower shaft from 73 Johnson

I forgot to say its an 85HP. mODEL ESL73

 

[ezeke]

Re: Questions in removing lower shaft from 73 Johnson

How much of an opening is there now between the top of the lower unit and the midsection?<br /><br />After removing the bolt, you spread the two horizontal pieces (of the bell crank) so that the pin is no longer holding the top of the shift rod?

 

[McGR]

Re: Questions in removing lower shaft from 73 Johnson

Are you sure about the bolt holding the shift rod in place? If it's anything like my '76, which I believe it is, there is actually a pin that goes through the hole at the end of the shift rod. In order to separate the pin from the rod, you have to loosen off the two peice shift linkage. Maybe I'm way off base, but you might want to take another look to be absolutly sure the shift rod is disconnected.

 

[McGR]

Re: Questions in removing lower shaft from 73 Johnson

After re-reading ezeke's post. I realize he's is questioning the same thing. So... go check that linkage.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Questions in removing lower shaft from 73 Johnson

If that pin is already loose, then the only common thing left is that the drive shaft may be stuck at the top. If they are heavily greased when replaced, they can seize hydraulically. Less common in this motor is that they rust. <br /><br />In either type of seizing, you may want to consider putting the four side bolts back loosely, submerging the lower unit and running the motor for a few minutes at idle in neutral. The gearcase is usually unbalanced enough to free the shaft. <br /><br />Just be sure that the water tube is still in place.

 

[WDC]

Re: Questions in removing lower shaft from 73 Johnson

Thank all. I am going to check it out tonight

 

[WDC]

Re: Questions in removing lower shaft from 73 Johnson

I checked out the swivel like linkage below the carb. It is free and it will swivel. I did notice that wiggling the back and front of the motor over a while the front dropped a 1mm and the back is 3 mm.<br /><br />I will work on it more this week and may need to take Ezeke suggestion to free the shaft.<br /><br />I also noticed no gasket between the plates and when I wiggle the lower shaft it has a sand/like sound inside. No sand in the gear oil.