Help with 1972 Johnson 65hp with electric shift lower leg removal

[kwizz]

Hi, I'm in the process of trying to remove the lower leg on a 1972 Johnson 65hp to check impeller condition. Dropped the oil and was squeeky clean just a couple of tiny shavings on plug screw, removed 6 bolts and with a few light taps the leg drops but only a few inches and goes no further, can i completely remove the leg to have full access to the water pump housing. Whilst writing this I have had a flash thought thinking maybe the solenoid wires are whats stopping the leg dropping, but while trying to remove leg earlier the wires never tightened up of had any sort of tension. So do i remove the wires from the top of the engine to be able to drop the leg off completely?

Also noticed a rubber seal next to water pump housing which upper part of leg slides into, seems quite perished. Is there a quick fix for this like running a good bead of silicone around it?

Appriciate the feed back as I bought a downloadable service manual but it's so difficult to read and understand and has limited pictures included.

Thanks

 

[kwizz]

Re: Help with 1972 Johnson 65hp with electric shift lower leg removal

Think i've answered my own question. Read through manual and the only reason for the leg not dropping any further is the cables.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Help with 1972 Johnson 65hp with electric shift lower leg removal

Be very careful not to break the wires - there are no more replacements available.



???

 

[testmoron]

Re: Help with 1972 Johnson 65hp with electric shift lower leg removal

you need to tie something to the wires before you pull them out

 

[kwizz]

Re: Help with 1972 Johnson 65hp with electric shift lower leg removal

Well today didn't go too well. The wires we're jammed solid in the upper section tried a couple of times to gently release it but wouldn't budge. on inspection of the wires before commiting to removal I noticed that insulating cover over the wires a little way up the leg was damaged in the lower section, looks as if someone has damaged it previously. After a good yank the wires came free, the wires in the lower section are severly damaged next to where the thick rubber protection is now. Also one of the bolts holding the water housing on has sheared, gonna try a little heat to try and crack the stub free, good news is the impeller is in mint condition. Sending lower leg to an electrician I know in the hope he can do some special magic on it or else my Johnny's goosed , coz I ain't gonna get a replacement solenoid .