1999, 25 hp Johnson, how do I drop lower unit?

[jnrmond]

I have purchased a water pump repair kit, but I do not know how to release the lower unit. I have unbolted, but it wll only drop slightly. How do I get completely off?

 

[Walker]

Re: 1999, 25 hp Johnson, how do I drop lower unit?

I think on your motor the shift linkage disconnect is behing the water inlet screens above the prop. Pull the screens off and there will be 2 nuts locked together. Undo them and slide the top one up and there will be a nylon bushing around the shaft. Take the bushing off and the shift linkage should separate.