1989 Johnson 30hp lower unit won't drop

[mooserini]

I'll save you all the time. I've read all about removing the plastic bushing from the shift shaft. That is done. I've disconnected the shift shaft behind the water intake screens, removed the upper half after taking off the plastic "keeper". Now from what I understand I simply remove 4 bolts from the underside, and 1 nut from the top side and it should - in theory - drop down with a little wiggling etc..

Here's the catch... the front stud/nut that has been discussed as being often times corroded - isn't. All four bolts are out and I can drop the lower unit... maybe a half inch and then nothing. Now am I correct in my assumption that the driveshaft should come out of the spline on the bottom of the crank, and the water tube is simply "stuffed" into a grommet?

If I am right about everything I've said.. someone HELP because the dang thing won't come down any farther than a half inch and it stops... as if something is hanging up or stuck... any ideas?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1989 Johnson 30hp lower unit won't drop

Welcome to iboats.

As stated, the usual suspect is that the shift rod was not disconnected, but if you are certain you have removed all pertaining bolts, then the splines of the driveshaft are likely rusted. Not blaming you, but that is a prime example of why it is necessary to replace the o ring at the top of the drive shaft and grease the splines before re installing the lower unit.

Put a couple of the main bolts back in, to prevent it from dropping when it does give. Then work the flywheel back and forth, while wedging the gearcase downwards.

If that does not work, you may need to take more drastic measures.

 

[mooserini]

Re: 1989 Johnson 30hp lower unit won't drop

Welcome to iboats.

As stated, the usual suspect is that the shift rod was not disconnected, but if you are certain you have removed all pertaining bolts, then the splines of the driveshaft are likely rusted. Not blaming you, but that is a prime example of why it is necessary to replace the o ring at the top of the drive shaft and grease the splines before re installing the lower unit.

Put a couple of the main bolts back in, to prevent it from dropping when it does give. Then work the flywheel back and forth, while wedging the gearcase downwards.

If that does not work, you may need to take more drastic measures.

Yes, I am 100% positive i've got the shift shaft disconnected. I can move the lever on the side and just a rod moves up and down with nothing else attached to it, so it SHOULD slide up through the unit. This engine has NEVER been apart... YES - VERY neglected. So is there any way to get penetrating oil or something of the sort into the splines at the top to free them.. because I've already put the four bolts back in and tapped down on it with a block of wood and a hammer.. it came down.. maybe another 16th of an inch and then stopped. You suggested working the flywheel.. perhaps that will loosen the splines?

 

[mooserini]

Re: 1989 Johnson 30hp lower unit won't drop

Welcome to iboats.

As stated, the usual suspect is that the shift rod was not disconnected, but if you are certain you have removed all pertaining bolts, then the splines of the driveshaft are likely rusted. Not blaming you, but that is a prime example of why it is necessary to replace the o ring at the top of the drive shaft and grease the splines before re installing the lower unit.

Put a couple of the main bolts back in, to prevent it from dropping when it does give. Then work the flywheel back and forth, while wedging the gearcase downwards.

If that does not work, you may need to take more drastic measures.

Oh - Thank you for the welcome

 

[mooserini]

Re: 1989 Johnson 30hp lower unit won't drop

One more question... I'm ready to go ape-!@#$ on this thing to get it loose.. is there any thing else that could possibly be connected between the powerhead area up top and the bottom... and am I putting the water pump assembly at risk by tapping down (I assume the bottom splines are in 80-90 gear lube so would NOT be stuck... thanks in advance..