gearcase won't drop down on 88 spl

[bquick8]

I have a 91 Johnson 88spl that i want to replace the impeller on.Followed the step by step in the clymer manual.Not clear on disconnecting the shift rod.I pulled the pin on the shaft,then removed the nut and pulled the"slider", that's attached to the cable,from the stud.Removed the trim tab,screw forward ,and cavity bolt.Didn't pull the prop,not neccessary,right?Removed the 4 gearcase mounting bolts and it dropped maybe 1/8".Wiggled front to back and left to right,but she doesn't budge.Did I miss something?

 

[bigskydrift]

Re: gearcase won't drop down on 88 spl

Does it have an upper & lower shift rod connector? Did you loosen it?

 

[ob]

Re: gearcase won't drop down on 88 spl

Insure that the shift rod is detached from the split coupler(under the lower carb area) by pushing the shift arm to port once the hitch pin is removed.May want to make up a couple of the bolts first into the lower unit to remove strain from the shift linkage.The whole shift rod and driveshaft will come down with the lower unit.Hopefully the driveshaft splines won't be stuck in the crankshaft.

 

[bquick8]

Re: gearcase won't drop down on 88 spl

Don't think there's a lower connection on this one.Just did my 85 johnny 9.9 kicker and that has one.

 

[bquick8]

Re: gearcase won't drop down on 88 spl

Thanks ob,I'll try that come sun up.I'd essentially be pushing the shift rod back into the shaft it rotates in ,right?

 

[ob]

Re: gearcase won't drop down on 88 spl

The shift rod won't rotate,It has a flattened tongue with a hole on the upper end that engages the split coupling.Once coupling is separated,the rod will disengage.Once lower unit is removed,do not unscrew the rod from the lower unit or it will change the specified length.It is threaded into the lower unit.

 

[bquick8]

Re: gearcase won't drop down on 88 spl

10-4 OB,many thanks for the help...will give it a shot in the AM

 

[ob]

Re: gearcase won't drop down on 88 spl

Good luck.Give us a holler back and tell us how it went.

 

[bquick8]

Re: gearcase won't drop down on 88 spl

pushed the shift rod over to port about 1/2" to where it bottoms out and I can see the flat spot sticking out the starter side about 1/2".Removed the leg bolts and only dropped 1/8".Not sure the shift rod is totally disengaged.Should I try to pull it out further from the starter side?

 

[ob]

Re: gearcase won't drop down on 88 spl

Make sure the lower unit is being held up first with a couple of bolts.Then push the 90 degree shift arm to port to separate the coupler.It is easier if you disconnect the shift cable from the arm.

 

[bquick8]

Re: gearcase won't drop down on 88 spl

Did as you suggested ob.Disconnected the cable andpushed arm to port.Slides only about 1/2",then bottoms out on bushing.Will it help to gently pull from the starter side?Any way to check if disengaged?Prop spins freely with lever towards rear of motor?

 

[ob]

Re: gearcase won't drop down on 88 spl

If the rod is disengaged,you should be able to swing the shift arm up and away.You could get a long tool and insure that the hole in the shift rod is off of the fixed pin within the coupler by pushing on the rod.

 

[bquick8]

Re: gearcase won't drop down on 88 spl

got a good eyeball on the top of shift rod and confirmed it was disconnected.with a little rocking,the lower half finally popped loose.Thanks ob for your patience and expert advice.

 

[ob]

Re: gearcase won't drop down on 88 spl

Glad you got it bquick8.