79 Johnson 15 powerhead removal

[gdc0581]

I'm trying to remove the powerhead from a 79 Johnson 15 HP. I've removed the 6 bolts that connect the powerhead to the outer exhaust housing and the 3 bolts that mount the lower motor cover to the powerhead. The powerhead doesn't want to budge. It may be just gasket sealer that is holding it down, but before I use too much force, I want to make sure that I haven't missed anything. Looking at the parts diagram, it looks like the inner exhaust housing is bolted directly to the powerhead and so will need to come up with it.

 

[paw2000]

Re: 79 Johnson 15 powerhead removal

The powerhead is stuck to the middle housing, the gasket used between the power head and housing is a self adhesive type, also age has bonded it together, turn the motor and you can slip a screw driver between the gasket and housing right near the tension screw close to the pivot , a few taps with a mallet and it should seperate. I just rebuilt mine and it was tricky to get off, also make sure the lower unit is off, the drive shaft can be frozen into crankcase seal.

 

[gdc0581]

Re: 79 Johnson 15 powerhead removal

Thanks for the tip. It worked great.