Removing lower unit problem

[Tompen]

I have a 96 evinrude 115 outboard 90 degree model.
Im trying to change impeller.
I removed all the bolts in the bottom of the unit and it dropped about 1 inch, but there's apparently something holding it from above. I removed the engine cover but can't find a screw or bolt that is holding the lower unit.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Which side is it on? How high up is it? Etc. I'm an amateur boat mechanic, so sorry about the dumb question.

 

[jakedaawg]

Shift shaft. I think yours uses a cotter pin on the right side. pull pin, push linkage left and shaft will disengage.

 

[interalian]

Shift shaft. I think yours uses a cotter pin on the right side. pull pin, push linkage left and shaft will disengage.

Don't let it drop on your foot when you push the linkage over.

 

[Tompen]

I found the pin.

 

[Tompen]

Whoops..
I found the pin, removed it, pushed the linkage left, but it's still not coming. Any suggestions? It seems like I'm doing it right... Anything else holding it? I assume not since its loose, with about 1 inch play

 

[interalian]

If it's moving an inch, you certainly have all the bolts out (even the one under the trim fin). As long as the shift pin is out, and all the bolts, might just need some wiggling and pulling - the shift rod has a crook in it and it can catch on stuff.

NB: do not turn the shift rod when you have the leg off or you'll mess up the shifter adjustment.

 

[Tompen]

Does it matter what gear it's in? I originally had it in neutral, and then I put it in reverse which is where it's at now

 

[Tompen]

the linkage is connected to a metal bar a half inch wide by three and a half inches long which is connected to a push rod by a nut. Do we need to take the nut off?

 

[interalian]

Shouldn't need to do more than pull the clevis pin and push the arm toward the center. If you look under the bottom carb, you should be able to see the shift pin come out of the shift rod when you push the arm over.

 

[Tompen]

Doesn't matter what gear it's in?

 

[racerone]

Hurry to a shop before you damage stuff.-------Did you find the hitch pin that needs to be removed ?

 

[clemsonfor]

I have a 96 evinrude 115 outboard 90 degree model.
Im trying to change impeller.
I removed all the bolts in the bottom of the unit and it dropped about 1 inch, but there's apparently something holding it from above. I removed the engine cover but can't find a screw or bolt that is holding the lower unit.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Which side is it on? How high up is it? Etc. I'm an amateur boat mechanic, so sorry about the dumb question.

The infamous 1" drop!!! You didn't disconnect the shift linkage. It's the shaft I beleive the shift cable is hooked too. You push it toward the left side and it disengages the linkage

 

[clemsonfor]

Does it matter what gear it's in? I originally had it in neutral, and then I put it in reverse which is where it's at now

Yes it matters have to have it in the same spot as you were shifted to when you disconnected it. If it's wrong the pin won't line up.

 

[jakedaawg]

Push the lower up all the way so its taken the pressure off. Then pull pin and push left. As your holding linkage to the left drop lower. It's really easy to get undone, you SHOULD NOT have to force anything. Gear does not matter, it works itself out once its back together properly, which can be the hard part.

 

[Tompen]

I gave up and put it back together. Thanks to all who commented. I removed the pin, but that was not enough. Not exactly sure but I think I needed to remove a nut that I couldn't get to. I guess my impeller will have to wait until I take it in.

New problem: when I put my boat in reverse and give it gas, the engine just swivels and my prop comes out of the water. Instead of maintaining its level prop angle as its supposed to. What is the likely cause(s) of this problem? How hard is it to fix? Thanks

 

[racerone]

??------There is no nut to remove on the shift rod in order to remove the lower unit !!--------Are you sure you removed a HITCH PIN on the bell crank / shift lever that goes under the carburetors.------That pin is clearly visible.

 

[jakedaawg]

you need to post a model number. a 96 should have TNT

 

[Chris1956]

If that gearcase linkage is like the one on my '98 Johnny 60* V6, the motor must be in forward and the clevis pin removed, for the shift linkage to slide enough to free the shift rod.

When reinstalling, the shift rod will likely be pushed down, as you push the gearcase up. I use an awl/screwdriver to gently pry the shift rod up, until I can reattach the shift linkage.

 

[racerone]

he says it is a 90 degree motor.--------No mention was made to remove a nut., yet the poster thinks there might be one , sorry I can't help on this one.

 

[Tompen]

Yes, I'm sure I removed the right hitch pin. I pushed the shift Rod over and it felt like I was doing it right. For whatever reason, it would not come loose. I tried in both neutral and reverse, but I did not try with it in forward. Someone said that their 98 Johnson would only work while it was in forward. Maybe that is what's going on here? I don't know. Oh well, I put it together and gave up on that task.

I do have another problem/question which is unrelated. When I put it in reverse, my engine comes out of the water. So whatever locking mechanism that is supposed to be in place to prevent this, is not working. I'm putting my boat in the water today. Any quick advice on what to look at to try to fix it? I'm not very Savvy with boat lingo, so if you offer advice, please try to explain things in simple terms. Much appreciated. Thanks in advance.