Johnson 15 won't release Cover

[SeaKaye12]

Hi,<br /><br />I have an older (80's) Johnson 15. The top cover will not release. I have pried and pushed down on the release lever so hard that the tip of it broke off...<br /><br />I've had people tell me to push down on the cover while attempting to release it. No dice.<br /><br />I turned the engine upside down and dribbled penetrating oil onto the latch assembley...been doing that for weeks now...still won't free up.<br /><br />I'm about to drill out the rivets in the cover. Anyone have any other suggestions? I suppose it must be corroded inside...although the engine is essentially corrossion free everywhere else...<br /><br />Thanks for reading, Chuck

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson 15 won't release Cover

Nowhere in your post do I see a mention that the release lever is frozen, however I assume that this is your problem.<br /><br />If so, with a hand held propane torch that has a pencil type tip, carefully heat the area surrounding the release lever.<br /><br />That will allow the nylon bushing on the lever's shaft to melt somewhat enough so that you can turn the lever to its release position.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Johnson 15 won't release Cover

Drilling out the two rivets is no big deal Chuck. Centre-punch them first.<br /><br />I've had to do it, and I found that the whole simple mechanism just needed a bit of tlc and grease. I put it back with new pop rivets, and no harm done.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Johnson 15 won't release Cover

Thanks Joe-n-Still,<br /><br />Just wanted to thank you for the help. <br /><br />Not having much experience with a torch, I tried drilling out the rivets first. Of course that got the cover off.<br /><br />Still, even with turning the 7/16 bolt from the inside, the &%$# latch would not budge.<br /><br />So, out came the torch...and sure enough...that did the trick.<br /><br />Now I can service the fuel system. That and a new Impeller...and I can hit the water.<br /><br />Thanks for reading, Chuck