86' Johnson 30 HP - How disconnect shift rod to drop lwr unit?

[jjander71]

I have a 1986 30 HP Johnson. Unfortunately, I broke the drive shaft for the second time in the first year I've had the boat. First time I hit log and took to mechanic to fix. This time three of the lower unit bolts worked loose and the remaining two sheared. Can't say why. Motor has had a lot of vibration since I've had it, but runs good. <br />I reviewed previous forums for how to disconnect the shift rod to remove the lower unit, but none of the feedback appears to apply to my motor. My manual doesn't mention to disconnect the rod anywhere except at the gearcase, which I did. I then removed the gear case. The water pump and drive shaft are still will the rest of the motor (held on by the shift rod. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[alcan]

Re: 86' Johnson 30 HP - How disconnect shift rod to drop lwr unit?

I am a little confused here. Remove both water intake screens. Disengage the shift rod using two open end wrenches. On the upper portion of the shift rod remove the plastic keeper, remove the nut from the rod. This should clear the rod. The top portion stays with the exhaust housing. Ok then you have one nut to remove and four cap screws (bolts). This should allow you to drop and remove the gearcase/lower unit with the water pump attached. If the water pump is still in the exhaust housing the screws for it must have been sheared off as well. Everything except the shift rod and the water pipe should just pull from the exhaust housing. Odds are good you bent the propshaft to cause the vibration.

 

[jjander71]

Re: 86' Johnson 30 HP - How disconnect shift rod to drop lwr unit?

alcan, Thanks for the reply. I had followed all instructions up to the "plastic keeper" removal. I have looked at this several times and do not see a plastic keeper. I can not see how the threaded nut is connected to the shift rod, but it will not budge. If there is a plastic fitting wedged between the nut and rod, how do I get to it to get it off?<br /><br />WRT water pump, because 3 bolts dissapeared and 2 sheared, the lower unit was hanging from the water pump. I removed the bolts to the water pump to get the gear case off, until I could figure out how to deal with the shift rod.<br /><br />WRT vibration, I had a buddy smooth out the nicks in my prop. It appeared to run smoother with the fix, but perhaps it is not balanced correctly.<br /><br />Naturally, once I figure out how to get the water pump off, I'll have to figure out how to get the top half of my drive shaft removed and a new one reinstalled. One thing at a time though.

 

[alcan]

Re: 86' Johnson 30 HP - How disconnect shift rod to drop lwr unit?

Silde the nut back up the shaft, should be a plastic keeper on the end of the shaft. If not it may be missing and corrsion has taken it's place, I don,t know. This keeper works like a valve spring keeper on a 4-stroke motor. When you have vibration to the point you describe, be sure you follow you manual and make through inspections. Inspect exhaust housing for stright. I know this part looks tough,trust me they bend. You don't have to worry about the drive shaft, it's broke. The propshaft and prop. also inspect carefuly the gearcase casting. Most of the time damage this severe happens at the launch ramp. Folks forget to lift the motor before launch, and back over them.