Johnson 50hp 1971 power head removal wiring question

[Somerowl]

Ok y'all, got the flywheel, carbs, linkage, starter and almost all of the wiring system removed except for the three wires (one pair at one location and a single at another location) that seem to be entering the powerhead itself. Can someone help me with their removal and also let me know if I need(or should) take the lower unit off as part of the powerhead removal?
Thanks!

 

[Chinewalker]

Well, I'm guessing one pair is the shift wires. They should be connected to the wiring harness via two scissor connectors. They do not actually go through the powerhead, rather they run through the adapter plate between the powerhead and exhaust housing. The third wire, I'll guess here, is the overheat sensor wire. It doesn't need to be removed from the cylinder head.

Are you working with a service manual? What are you hoping to accomplish with disassembly? Are you doing a complete rebuild? If so, an OEM manual is a must...

 

[Somerowl]

Thanks, actually I've disconnected the shift wires already. These that I'm referring to are a pair on the side opposite the wiring block into a circular opening near the top of a flat plate. The single goes through a larger circular opening in the rear of the power head.
I will buy the manual if, after disassembly I get the good news that the low compression (65 top, 50 lower) is due to a rebuildable condition and not something "fatal".
Thanks very much for the input!

 

[Somerowl]

Good day, an update. Thanks for the help on this. Turns out the wires in question were for the choke. They came off with the exhaust Cover Plate and may or may not be hooked back up upon completion as I've seen some not so good comments about that circuit causing problems. I also purchased a PDF file of the factory manual off of Ebay (a British outfit) for $18 which is HUGELY helpful and helping with the disassembly and evaluation of the Powerhead itself.
thanks for your help here!
Nick:wave: