Removing lower shaft on 85 hp Johnson 1973

[WDC]

I am removing the lower shaft on my 85 hp 73 johnson. All 7 bolts removed and shift cable pin under carb removed. The shaft will only drop a few millimeters, more on the back end. <br /><br />Took Ezekes suggestion and placed lower shaft in water bucket enough to cover propeller with muffs on, placed 4 bolts(2 on each side under cavitation plate) but loosely and started engine in idle to try and loosen stuck drive shaft. Still stuck but will try loosening the bolts so they are connected but a few millimeters below metal contact so the lower shaft can wiggle more while in idle and release the stuck drive shaft.<br /><br />Make sense. Any other suggestions

 

[ezeke]

Re: Removing lower shaft on 85 hp Johnson 1973

We have broken them loose by carefully placing wood shims (the kind you find at home improvement centers) equally spaced around the drive. Just be careful that you bring it down straight, not high at one end and low at the other. I think you almost have it out anyway.

 

[WDC]

Re: Removing lower shaft on 85 hp Johnson 1973

Thanks for the feedback.