loose screws on top of lower unit.

[seanmayfield]

I noticed some screws stuck in a crack above the lower unit, next to the shift rod (not sure of the proper terminology). I can not remove them without taking the lower unit off. Any idea where these fell out of? A diagram would be great becuase I am not very familiar with outboards. I can fairly mechanically inclined , but this is new to me. BTW everything seems to shift and function properly (for now). Take a look at these pictures at this site

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: loose screws on top of lower unit.

Coathanger, bubble gum on a stick, magnet? Could have been left there by the last mechanic.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: loose screws on top of lower unit.

What year and model is that motor? I don't see how those could have just been left there by someone working on it?
They look to be already causing a problem with the shift rod bushing,i can see it cocked up on one side.
Its possible whoever worked on it did not use Loctite when they should have.No sign of it on those bolts threads..

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: loose screws on top of lower unit.

After looking again,dropping the LU is still not going to give you access to that area..

 

[seanmayfield]

Re: loose screws on top of lower unit.

I can get to them with needle nose vice grips, but the heads of the screws are jammed in the hole for the bushing. the rod is not binding, but it is a concern. Any idea where they came from? One screw looks to be about a 1/4-20 and the other is about a 10-32 or somewhere around that. The motor is a 1993 johnson 48. model # J48eslete

 

[F_R]

Re: loose screws on top of lower unit.

I figure they could have come from most anywhere on the powerhead and fell down through the hollow steering pivot shaft. Looks like it should be easy to get them out of there by removing the 3 bolts holding the lower mount clamshells (right above the "crack"). At least then they won't be chafing away at the area.

 

[seanmayfield]

Re: loose screws on top of lower unit.

I figure they could have come from most anywhere on the powerhead and fell down through the hollow steering pivot shaft. Looks like it should be easy to get them out of there by removing the 3 bolts holding the lower mount clamshells (right above the "crack"). At least then they won't be chafing away at the area.

After looking at it closer, I figured the same. I got both the screws out and it did minimal damage, is that boot next to the screws an important seal or just to keep dust and debris out?

 

[F_R]

Re: loose screws on top of lower unit.

I'm not exactly sure what the boot does. Too new a motor for me. It probably keeps it from blowing exhaust and water out from the inside. But I'm not sure of that.