How does this come off

[5string]

I need to take the head off I guess, my steering is too stiff and it needs cleaned. It is a 1994 Johnson 48hp special. There are 2 grease fittings on the motor, one at the top of the lower unit right below the bottom cover where the shift rod goes down and the other at the bottom of the lower unit. These are swivel points and the top point is the one that's stuck, any suggestions on how to take this apart, it is not in my book.<br /><br />5string

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: How does this come off

5String....I assume that refers to a banjo. If you have removed the steering cable from the engine and you're sure that it is the engine top swivel bushing that's tight, do this:<br /><br />Have the steering cable disconnected from the engine. Carefully, using a hand held propane torch, apply heat to that top swivel (nylon) bushing area while applying pressure sideways to the engine. It doesn't take much heat to free it. As the engine frees up, move it back and forth, then force grease into the fitting as quickly as possible.<br /><br />Have a water hose and/or a fire extinguisher handy just in case. Good luck.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: How does this come off

Are the fittings accepting grease? You might want to grease them and grease them (letting grease flow out of shaft ends. This may be messy but it should drive out the garbage.<br /><br />If the fittings are not accepting grease unscrew them and replace them. <br /><br />I agree with Joe R and yes be very VERY careful with that heat.<br /><br />Bob

 

[5string]

Re: How does this come off

THANKS guys, it is a banjo(can't get that darn music out of my head) I wasn't sure about heating it but I will give it a try and I replaced the fitting, it feels like it is pumping grease in but it isn't coming out anywhere so I think it has to much garbage built up.<br /><br />5string