lower engine cover on 1987 48 SPL

[mikeyk101]

I am doing some maintenance on my 1987 Johnson 48 SPL. I have only had it for about 2 years and dont think it has ever been cleaned up. There is quite a bit of muck that has built up over the years all over the lower engine cover. I have been able to clean some of the forward section when I had the carbs off last year. This year, after starting on replacing thermostat, I discovered the body of a dead mouse just below the rear section. Also because of the buildup, it was very difficult to see and get the shifter rod disconnected. I finally figured that out with the help of racerone. I will be pulling the lower unit to change out the water pump soon.

But I would really like to get things cleaned up in there. I know it's a motor and things do get dirty but I would just like to get it a little cleaner for now. Is it possible to get the lower engine cover removed or at least get it to drop down a bit to make it easier to clean up? Or is there a method I could use to flush some of the gunk out with it still in place? I didnt want to just start experimenting and make a mistake.
Thanks.

 

[oldboat1]

My kind of barn find. Wasp nests and mouses' houses. Try gentle cleaners first. WD-40 can work well, or some mineral spirits on a shop rag. The odorless m.spirits is less caustic, I think. Careful with decals.

 

[juno pierrat]

lower exhaust housing comes off easily under lower engine cover, you say you going to replace thermostat you will find the lower bolts of the water cover are a PITA to get to, may need to lower/loosen lower engine cover, its actually easier to remove head w/water cover attached BUT then theirs always a chance of breaking bolts.and the cost of new head gasket just say'n. got same engine

 

[mikeyk101]

I have already taken the cylinder head/water jacket cover off and yes, those 2 lower bolts were a bear to reach and remove. All those bolts luckily came out pretty easy and none were frozen. The thermostat has seen better days and the grommet for the pressure relief valve was a little beat up. Both of those are getting changed out. I would just like to get some of the crud that was built up inside the lower engine cover cleaned out. It has built up a bit under the carbs and powerhead. By dropping the lower engine cover just a bit, I think I can do a more thorough job. It looks like the lower exhaust cover comes off with just 2 bolts on the front and 2 bolts on rear of inside of engine cover and then 4 more bolts around powerhead to get the lower engine cover to drop.

 

[Crosbyman]

plug the carbs with rags and use pressure washer ..???

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/1987-88-Joh...ion-6-Piece-Marine-Vinyl-Decals-/152468167610

 

[mikeyk101]

The labels on the outside are still in decent condition. It's more the inside that needs a good cleaning.

 

[mikeyk101]

lower exhaust housing comes off easily under lower engine cover, you say you going to replace thermostat you will find the lower bolts of the water cover are a PITA to get to, may need to lower/loosen lower engine cover, its actually easier to remove head w/water cover attached BUT then theirs always a chance of breaking bolts.and the cost of new head gasket just say'n. got same engine

Well getting those lower bolts out was one thing but getting them back in was even more difficult until I unbolted and lowered the lower engine cover. That made it oh so much easier. Thank you for the advice.