61 Johnson lower unit stuck

[Muddlerman]

I'm replacing the water pump on my 61 johnson 40Hp.<br /> I have removed the 7 bolts holding the lower unit on,I have also have disconnected the shift rod but the lower unit will not come down.It will twist some and I have tried tapping it down with a block of wood and hammer. It seems to be holding up near the engine head. Is the drive shaft stuck? Any ideas?<br /> Thanks

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 61 Johnson lower unit stuck

How far down will the gearcase drop, if any?

 

[Muddlerman]

Re: 61 Johnson lower unit stuck

The gearcase doesn't drop much,maybe a 1/16"

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 61 Johnson lower unit stuck

Might not be seriously stuck.Try prying down with two 10 inch screwdrivers,one on each side,up near the driveshaft/waterpump,between the housings.<br /><br />DHP

 

[Muddlerman]

Re: 61 Johnson lower unit stuck

Tried the screwdrivers.Got the housings apart about 1/8", still seams to be stuck pretty good.<br /> How much force should I use? I'm afraid of breaking something.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 61 Johnson lower unit stuck

It sounds like the splines on the driveshaft may be stuck in the mating socket of the crank, either rust, or twisted. Take two wooden wedges, and drive in from each side of the gap. See if you can force it down.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 61 Johnson lower unit stuck

If anything breaks, it'll just be a little chunk out of the water pump housing. <br />Nothing holds the driveshaft into the lower unit except for the water pump impeller's key. That key will tear through the housing, which is relatively inexpensive. It sounds like you've got a replacement water pump housing anyway. You could even operate with a damaged one.<br /><br />If you've got the 6 small bolts and 1 large one out, then it must be the driveshaft that's stuck.

 

[MCM]

Re: 61 Johnson lower unit stuck

As R.Johnson mentioned... the wedges sound like a great idea....might try and keep the pressure applied somewhat equally on both sides to avoid any binding effect though.

 

[Muddlerman]

Re: 61 Johnson lower unit stuck

I'll try the wooden wedges. I can get a new housing if needed. I'll let you know when the baby drops. Thanks for the help.<br /> Muddlerman

 

[Muddlerman]

Re: 61 Johnson lower unit stuck

I just got the lower unit off! The wooden wedges did the trick. This site is great! Thanks for your help.<br /> Muddlerman

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 61 Johnson lower unit stuck

Replace the O-ring at the top of the shaft if it's gone and grease those splines with a good marine grease. Then that won't happen again.