1974 Johnson 85 hp lower unit removal

[seastuff1]

I am trying to drop the lower unit. Have disconnected shift linkage, removed all bolts, l/u has dropped about 3" and has stopped. I have worked on motors and have never had one do this! Any help??

 

[Boobie]

Are the lower motor mounts swelled up causing a misalignment in the upper part hanging up the shift linkage ??

 

[seastuff1]

Are the lower motor mounts swelled up causing a misalignment in the upper part hanging up the shift linkage ??

I haven't checked! There is only 10 hrs. on this motor since new. Thanks!

 

[Boobie]

Only 10 hrs ?? That's hard to believe.

 

[racerone]

Try taking the connecter off the top of the shift rod.

 

[seastuff1]

The boat and motor was stored inside for a long time,but run last Fall....more strange marine stories to add to the list!

 

[seastuff1]

I unhooked the apparatus on the top of the shiftrod. Should I unscrew the top connector, too?

 

[Boobie]

I thought you said in your first post you disconnected the shift linkage. What linkage ??

 

[seastuff1]

I did. The clip on the upper end of the shift shaft, the holding bracket and bolt.

 

[racerone]

Have you taken the connecter off the top of the shift rod ???????

 

[seastuff1]

Yes, but have not unscrewed the top piece from the shiftrod

 

[racerone]

I will reword the question then ------Have you taken the adapter of the top of the shift rod ??

 

[seastuff1]

No, I have not.

 

[Boobie]

Normally you don't have to take that connector off, but we're not there to see what you have.

 

[seastuff1]

Thanks for your response! This motor belongs to a customer of mine. He purchased the boat and motor last December. It was run for a short while last Fall,fresh water only, then put back in a building under cover. I have had it running on it's own fuel. Sounds good, though almost no water discharge using earmuffs and a hose. He claims that the whole unit has around 10 hrs. of use since new, and it really looks to be authentic. The only reason for dismantling is for a water pump kit. I have been a boat mechanic for a lot of years and have never run into this situation before! With all bolts out, linkage removed, the l/u drops about 3 inches and then binds up......

 

[racerone]

Have you removed the adapter on the end of the shift rod ?

 

[seastuff1]

No, I have not. May have to remove carbs to get to it. Thanks

 

[racerone]

Should not have to remove the carburetor.----Post what happens when the adapter is off !!

 

[Boobie]

Get a long crow bar and a buddy. Stick it in the gap and both of you push down at the same time.

 

[seastuff1]

Do you think that the l/u is just stuck and the shift shaft adaptor will be able to slide down through the housing?? Thanks, Dave

 

[Boobie]

In all of those gear cases I've pulled, I never had to take that adapter off.

 

[seastuff1]

Neither have I, this is what makes me so aggrevated!

 

[Boobie]

Try the crow bar trick. You'll either kill it or cure it. Wish I was there.

 

[seastuff1]

I wish you were ,too! Here in Maine we are coming into our short, but fine season! I'll try some brute strength for a change.... Thanks! Will let you know what happens. Best, Dave

 

[Boobie]

Be sure to let us know the outcome.

 

[seastuff1]

I will! The outboard mechanical industry is filled with various quirks and oddities, and this one takes the cake!! I'm about ready to insert a separating device and just windup until something pops free (although not my practice!) Again, thanks for your response....Dave in Maine

 

[Boobie]

Well, what happened ??