1996 120hp Forece Lower cowling removal

[ErichDahlem]

posted a few weeks ago about water on my top 2 spark plugs. Changed out the head gasket no joy. Started removing the exhaust cover and broke off a few bolts (6). Anyway need to remove the lower cowling to get at the bottom bolts. Can't find my manual and was hoping someone can tell me how to remove it. Already took off the lower shroud and the 4 bolts going into it. Help please. Thanks.

 

[TwoFish]

Re: 1996 120hp Forece Lower cowling removal

I looked at doing the exhaust gasket on my 1998 75hp and was told I would need to take the power head off as the lower cowl does not drop away like some of the earlier models. I removed those 4 bolts as well but the cowl was still solidly attached. There is a large nut on top of the main steering pivot shaft, under the carbys, that you can not to get to without removing the power head. To remove the cowl this nut needs to come off.

I hope I?m wrong.

It will be interesting to hear what other people have to say.

Cheers

Dean

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1996 120hp Forece Lower cowling removal

I have not looked at my late 120s for a while, but as I remember, there are four rubber mounted bolts in "wings" in the match plate that hold the lower cowl. Remove them and you may be able to move the cowl enough to remove the lower bolts on the exhaust cover.

 

[ErichDahlem]

Re: 1996 120hp Forece Lower cowling removal

Removed the 4 bolts, rubber mounts and exhaust cover plate. Cowling will barley move, think the power head may need to come off. Thought about cutting out part of the cowling to get to the bottom bolts.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 1996 120hp Forece Lower cowling removal

Maybe drill some access holes in the lower cover that can be plugged up with a rubber or plastic plug?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1996 120hp Forece Lower cowling removal

I just went out and looked at my 120 leg and lower cowl.

Is the rubber gasket stuck? After removing the four bolts, the lower cowl should move some but don't forget there is interference with the pivot yoke and mounting clamps. It won't slide down a lot. It was never meant to be a service access item.

Since you already broke some bolts, it may be better to just bite the bullet and remove the powerhead. It will be easier to drill and retap those bolts with the powerhead completely free.