1985 johnson150 hp lower unit removal **HELP ! **

[wastedawayinkeywest]

I am attempting to remove my 1985 johnson 150 hp long shaft lower unit. I bought the manual. removed all the bolts step by step. even the shift linkage bolt. the unit is loose but will not drop down.Is it possible that the drive shaft is rusted to the powerhead and thats why i can't get it free? any ideas or suggestions on how to free the lower unit?

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1985 johnson150 hp lower unit removal **HELP ! **

If you have removed all seven bolts from below, including the one for the trim tab, try turning the flywheel while someone gently moves the gearcase from side to side and back and forth. Be prepared if the unit releases.

 

[wastedawayinkeywest]

Re: 1985 johnson150 hp lower unit removal **HELP ! **

yes i removed thetrim tab and the 2 bolts from under the trim tab. and the 2 bolts on each side of the unit. plus the shift rod bolt.I stood on the lower unit fin and turned the fly wheel but it still won't drop

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1985 johnson150 hp lower unit removal **HELP ! **

Check that the shift rod is free at the top.

The driveshaft can seize in the crank from corrosion and can also hydraulically seize from too much grease.

You may be able to break it free using framing shims from a lumber yard, but try to keep the opening evenly spaced as you force it down.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1985 johnson150 hp lower unit removal **HELP ! **

yes i removed thetrim tab and the 2 bolts from under the trim tab. and the 2 bolts on each side of the unit. plus the shift rod bolt.I stood on the lower unit fin and turned the fly wheel but it still won't drop

One of the bolts above the trim tab just holds the anode. There is a larger bolt forward of the trim tab - did you get that one??

 

[wastedawayinkeywest]

Re: 1985 johnson150 hp lower unit removal **HELP ! **

yes the sift rod is completely free. I will try the shims i just didn't want to apply to much pressure down there and make i simple problem worse. all this for a water pump replacement thanks

 

[wastedawayinkeywest]

Re: 1985 johnson150 hp lower unit removal **HELP ! **

One of the bolts above the trim tab just holds the anode. There is a larger bolt forward of the trim tab - did you get that one??

yes i removed all seven bolts from below, including the one for the trim tab. the shift lever is free i can shake the lower unit from side to side about a 1/4 of a inch it hasn't dropped at all just enough space to slide a match book cover threw. i have the repair manual and did what it said step by step. i fear the shaft is rusted to the powerhead. it has to be the only thing holding the unit

 

[Livewire]

Re: 1985 johnson150 hp lower unit removal **HELP ! **

Just to double check the bolt count.

2 on each side of the case are 9/16 ea

trim tab is 7/16 or 1/2 I can't remember.

one 9/16 under the trim tab about three and half inches long.

there is a one that is 5/8" and three and half inches long
Then the shift rod.

The one bolt not mentioned is the one that holds in the anode.

Is it possible that you missed the 5/8 or the 9/16 in the area of the trim tab???

 

[coolguy147]

Re: 1985 johnson150 hp lower unit removal **HELP ! **

check shifter again.

 

[wastedawayinkeywest]

Re: 1985 johnson150 hp lower unit removal **HELP ! **

Just to double check the bolt count.

2 on each side of the case are 9/16 ea

trim tab is 7/16 or 1/2 I can't remember.

one 9/16 under the trim tab about three and half inches long.

there is a one that is 5/8" and three and half inches long
Then the shift rod.

The one bolt not mentioned is the one that holds in the anode.

Is it possible that you missed the 5/8 or the 9/16 in the area of the trim tab???

yes all the bolts are out i pushed the shift lever rod back towards the powerhead. i can move the lower unit from side to side about a 1/4 of a inch but it will not drop down

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1985 johnson150 hp lower unit removal **HELP ! **

Sounds like the driveshaft is stuck in the splines Okay all 7 bolts are out........ you are left with one choice....

You need to use wooden shims since you can move the lower unit. Can you wiggle a thin door shim in there? Door shims and pure grunt I would also shake the flywheel (easier with plugs out).

Is the motor tilted? Try it with the motor in the vertical position .... the weight of the lower unit could have it jammed.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 1985 johnson150 hp lower unit removal **HELP ! **

Not trying to flog a dead horse here but are you certain that what you disconnected was the shift linkage ?? you should just have the actual shift rod waiting to go down the hole as the lower unit drops (hopefully)
If you shift to forward and reverse the shift rod should not move but the actuator should.

 

[wastedawayinkeywest]

Re: 1985 johnson150 hp lower unit removal **HELP ! **

I want to thank everyone who offered advice.i finally got the lower unit off and the water pump replaced. I took my boat to several out board motor shops. They wanted 300 to 500 to remove the frozen drive shaft. One company wanted to cut the case and heat the shaft or cut the drive shaft in half.I found this kind of extreme. Finally i found a old guy at one of the marinas i use. he told me how to get it off step by step. I started by using flat pri bars then created a few metal wedges. The old guy told me it would be a chore and work slowly. he marked on the case the spots where to place the wedges.So i wouldn't damage the water pump and other fragile areas. well 4 hours later at a very slow process the lower unit dropped.With no damage to the case or lower unit.Before installing the lower unit back i wire wheeled the splines and sprayed it down with 6 in one penetrating oil and installed the new o ring just below the spines.Started the motor and everything worked perfectly.I am thankful to the old man who took the time and patience to show me and help me.Sad the outboard motor shops are looking for the high dollar and not returning customers. The shops i visited won't be seeing me or my friends

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 1985 johnson150 hp lower unit removal **HELP ! **

Glad you got it sorted. Nice to find an "old school" guy willing to help out.