1969 Johnson 115 - lower unit removal questions

[russellcframe]

Hey all,

I decided to buy the boat that I've been looking at for a few weeks now and brought it home two days ago. I looked up the model number and it is a 1969 Johnson 115 outboard which has electric shift.

I am in the process of cleaning it up and doing a bunch of preventative maintenance. I can start it fine and started running some SeaFoam through it to decarb things (the thick smoke is a great way to welcome myself into the new neighborhood, as I just moved here, hehe). After I finish with the decarb I will put new spark plugs in. It currently has the flat plugs (no electrode), but I've read that I can also put the more typical QL77JC4 electrode plugs in it.

I replaced the battery and can start it up OK. It shifts into forward, reverse, and neutral fine.

The seam of the lower unit leaks a little water with the hose ear muffs on. I would like to replace that gasket and also replace the water pump impeller just so I know its new.

As I just got the boat I have not yet obtained a factory service manual for the motor, so any direction would be great.

The problem I'm currently having is lower unit removal. I've pulled the 4 bolts which hold the lower unit up, but it does not budge, not a hair. I know many motors have a shift link/shaft connector which needs to be released at the top of the motor but I see nothing like this on this motor, and being electric shift I question if such a thing exists on this motor.

Are there additional connectors to get the lower unit to drop. Is it just stuck? What's the best way to free it?

When I do get it off and service the water pump, does this motor require a special type of lower unit lube? I read somewhere that this motor may need the premium thin type lube because of the shifting mechanism.

Sorry for all the questions, I'll try to get a service manual this week but I'm impatient and want to get as far as I can with your help.

Thanks,
Russ

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1969 Johnson 115 - lower unit removal questions

you have to be especially careful, with the wiring for the electric shift. it is going to be brittle, and comes out with the lower unit. the grommet that holds the wires has to go back in place when reinstalling, or the motor will suck exhaust fumes and run poorly. there is a bolt under the trim fin. there is not a gasket between the lower and midsection, leaks are not unusual there.

if you have not done this before, wait for the manual, the electric shift components are extremely scarce, and expensive.

 

[russellcframe]

Re: 1969 Johnson 115 - lower unit removal questions

Thanks for the direction TD.

I decided to jump in and got the lower unit dropped ok. I'm glad you warned me to proceed with caution regarding the wires as I was able to keep a close eye on them.

Things looked quite good inside once I had it apart. The impeller was in quite good condition with very minimal wear, still springy, and no cracking. The electric shift mechanism is pretty interesting.

It took a fair amount of effort to get it back on while lining up the water pump pipes, making sure the electric shift cable didnt' get pinched and getting the rubber exhaust gasket in place, but I got it on and everything ran great once back together.

Appreciate your pointers, thanks much!

-Russ

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1969 Johnson 115 - lower unit removal questions

glad to hear of your success.

 

[SKOOTCH]

Re: 1969 Johnson 115 - lower unit removal questions

I did the same thing to my 1970 115 and i wasnt so careful when i dropped it and i managed to snap the shift wire!

I believe i can go from the top down and disconnect using twine tied to it so that i can pull it back up through the grommet. Next time i will be more carefull!

Also, when i spin the prop manually, it goes about a quarter turn, then locks up a bit, then snaps and continues spinning. Is this a serious problem are is it natural?