74 Johnson 115hp powerhead removal

paulwjax

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Joined
Oct 4, 2009
Messages
12
74 Johnson 115hp powerhead removal

I have a Johnson shop manual for this year and have removed every bolt/nut and connection that it said to remove but can't seem to get the powerhead to separate from the lower unit so I can rebuild it on the bench. I even got the 2 @*%! nuts underneath in the back that barely have enough room for a wrench to remove them. Do I need to hit something?
 

Fl_Richard

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Jan 21, 2005
Messages
1,428
Re: 74 Johnson 115hp powerhead removal

Wiggle front to back not side to side. If you pry it be very careful, it will come it's just gonna take some time. Its been on there for 35 years.
 

kenmyfam

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Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: 74 Johnson 115hp powerhead removal

Gentle persuasion is the key. If everything is disconnected it will come off. Prying is a bad idea to begin with. Gentle shock with a rubber mallet may help get things started.
 

four m

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Aug 4, 2009
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Re: 74 Johnson 115hp powerhead removal

use a cherry picker or chain fall to pull powerhead off.that v4 is heavy then use what ever your prying to assist. it should come off if the drive shaft was greased before it was put on .PRAY IT WAS or you have a night mare on your hands that i have lived.
 

paulwjax

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Oct 4, 2009
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Re: 74 Johnson 115hp powerhead removal

I'm going to try the rubber mallet and wiggle method and I'll let everyone know how it works this week. I'm patient...sorta;)
 

paulwjax

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Oct 4, 2009
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Re: 74 Johnson 115hp powerhead removal

OK I tapped on a piece of lumber with my hammer on the powerhead near the top on the front and back. Then I was able to muscle it off when I saw it wiggling off the gasket.

PO pulled the plugs and left the motor cover on but still left it outside for over a year and the innerds look suprisingly absent of rust. There's a little bit, don't get me wrong, but nothing a little bit of steel wool can't handle. Besides, I'm tearing it all the way down so it doesn't really matter since many of the parts will get replaced anyway.
 

Fl_Richard

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Jan 21, 2005
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Re: 74 Johnson 115hp powerhead removal

2-atta boys! A little patience and persuasion goes a long way! Good luck with the rest of the job. Looks like your well on your way to a happy rebuild!

Richard
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
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Aug 10, 2006
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14,392
Re: 74 Johnson 115hp powerhead removal

Glad it worked out for you.
 

paulwjax

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Joined
Oct 4, 2009
Messages
12
Re: 74 Johnson 115hp powerhead removal

I'm pretty happy. The crank looks pretty good and in fact, still is greasy where it needs to be. The only rust inside wipes away with a towel! Counting my lucky stars on this one.
 

bak104

Recruit
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Sep 9, 2009
Messages
1
Re: 74 Johnson 115hp powerhead removal

74 Johnson 115hp powerhead removal

I have a Johnson shop manual for this year and have removed every bolt/nut and connection that it said to remove but can't seem to get the powerhead to separate from the lower unit so I can rebuild it on the bench. I even got the 2 @*%! nuts underneath in the back that barely have enough room for a wrench to remove them. Do I need to hit something?

I have been trying to figure out which nut and bolts to remove. The manual talks about 2 on each side of the exhaust cover etc. that I'm not sure of.
 

paulwjax

Cadet
Joined
Oct 4, 2009
Messages
12
Re: 74 Johnson 115hp powerhead removal

I have been trying to figure out which nut and bolts to remove. The manual talks about 2 on each side of the exhaust cover etc. that I'm not sure of.

There were 4 screws and 2 nuts a side on mine. I hated the 2 under the back of the motor. Couldn't get a wrench back there and was afraid I would round them off. Finally I got an offset box wrench on them and they popped loose. PB blaster and time are your friends.
 
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