1988 Johnson 48hp lower unit questions

[tallcar]

I collect antique outboards, and I try really really really hard to turn down requests to work on newer motors, but this is a special request so I agreed.
Motor is as stated a 1988 Johnson 48 hp. Question pertains to specifically the lower unit. Brought to me as it would not stay in gear. I am thinking clutch dog. Now have resealed about 20 older lowers this one was not bad. Those snap ring effing suck...just want to put that out there..
Found the following, milky oil, reverse gear had slight wear in the area where clutch dog engages, clutch dog shows a bit more wear, remove the pinion gear, OH MY, forward gear is severely worn in the area of engagement with the clutch dog. Anywho, found set of gears, including clutch dog, so I am ready to reassemble and here is my challenge.
I am a big guy and my hand will NOT fit inside the case to allow me to properly clean the deep recesses of this case. It has crap and crud in there that I absolutly do NOT want in there after I assemble it.

I have used one whole can of carb cleaner and there is still junk in there.

So all that to ask, how best to clean the inside of this case, if you big paws can't get in there?

There is one bearing left in the case as it looks good, that is the lower drive shaft bearing, I have already replaced the upper drive shaft bearing, and I will be replacing all the seals.

Thoughts?

Thanks

Richard

 

[racerone]

Remove the pinion bearing.----Likely bad anyway and cheap at the bearing supplier.----Take case to the local car wash.---2 $ and flush the junk out at high pressure.

 

[tallcar]

Well, I have a power washer..........

 

[racerone]

Even cheaper.

 

[boobie]

There's your answer...........

 

[racerone]

Replacing the pinion ?------You may need to look into shimming it.