1981 15 hp johnson stuck power shaft

[dombarb]

Attempting to replace impeller on this engine, lower unit would not separate from the power head. Gentle prying separated the gearbox and propeller shaft from the drive power shaft. Have never seen this event. How do I get the (stuck) power shift free from the power head so I can install the impeller??? Appreciate your thoughts thanks Dom

 

[Johsnson Outboarder]

I just replaced my impeller and the gear case had 4 bolts holding the lower unit on, 3 other bolts on the anode, and of course i had to remove the shift rod. Everything came out very easily.

 

[racerone]

Johnson----your motor is very different from the 15 HP in post #1-------It is very common for the driveshaft to stick in the crankshaft.----Likely one forgot to put an o-ring on the shaft.--It is rusted solid in there since the crank splines are carbon steel.-------I use and adapter and slide hammer to pull them out.------

 

[scout-j-m]

Had this happen to me on a 1982 9.9hp. I just set the motor upside down on the flywheel and gave it a good soaking of pb blaster a few times a day for about a week. Then used a very heavy duty pair ov vise grips and hammered on them. By the time it came free I scarred up the shaft pretty good but I only damaged the middle section so I just smoothed it down with a grinding wheel and it's no worse off.

Better penetrating fluid (ATF + acetone) plus maybe pulling the powerhead so you can get heat on the are would probably be best. Then I'd use a slide hammer with a proper adapter that can grab a smooth shaft like racerone suggests.It will be hard to get the crankshaft output free of corrosion so make sure to reinstall with some good grease. I used Jet Lube marine anti-seize (non-metallic with moly).