Lower Unit Maintenance

[robfurman]

I have a 1966 Johnson Seahorse 60HP that has been having problems shifting. Right now it seems stuck in nuetral. I have the shift linkage disconnected so I do know the problem is on the engine side and not from the shifter controls or cable. The motor was also was accidentally run out of the water for about 2 minutes (Not from me) so I suspect damage to the impeller. I wanted to check with you all and see what areas might be causing the problem? Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.


Thanks,

Robert

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Lower Unit Maintenance

Is that a manual shift motor? If so, the shift cradle may be worn out. Doublecheck to see that the phillips head screw in the base of the skeg is inplace. That is the pivot point for the shift cradle.

 

[robfurman]

Re: Lower Unit Maintenance

Is that a manual shift motor? If so, the shift cradle may be worn out. Doublecheck to see that the phillips head screw in the base of the skeg is inplace. That is the pivot point for the shift cradle.

Yes a manual shift. The phillips screw is still in place.


Thanks,


Robert

 

[lindy46]

Re: Lower Unit Maintenance

You say you have the shift linkage disconnected? Do you mean the lower shift rod disconnected from the coupler? Not clear on that. So if you're confused, remove the little oval plate on the side of the leg, and you'll see the shift rod coupler. Two bolts hold the lower and upper shift rods into the coupler. Is everything connected there? When you shift the motor, you should see the coupler/shift rods move up and down. Down is reverse, and usually gravity will default the motor to that position if the lower shift rod is not in the coupler.

 

[robfurman]

Re: Lower Unit Maintenance

You say you have the shift linkage disconnected? Do you mean the lower shift rod disconnected from the coupler? Not clear on that. So if you're confused, remove the little oval plate on the side of the leg, and you'll see the shift rod coupler. Two bolts hold the lower and upper shift rods into the coupler. Is everything connected there? When you shift the motor, you should see the coupler/shift rods move up and down. Down is reverse, and usually gravity will default the motor to that position if the lower shift rod is not in the coupler.

I have the shift cable disconnected where it attaches to the shift lever on on the motor. I will pull that plate off and take a look. Btw, my boat has been sitting awhile so I was thinking that a lower unit inspection would be a good idea. Also as I commented from my first post the motor had been accidentally run out of the water for a couple of minutes.


Thanks,

Robert

 

[robfurman]

Re: Lower Unit Maintenance

Getting into tearing down the lower unit on my 1966 Johnson Seahorse 60 (VXL-12R) and I realized that the Seloc manual didn't seem to cover my motor in detail, but just about every other type, I suspect. Anyways, I cannot figure out how to separate my lower unit. I have loosened the shift screw on the linkage through the access hole and if will come down about 1/2". I suspect with my motor being older that the procedure is different that what is my manual. I''m wondering if I need to remove the propeller shaft assembly first? Anyone have some experience with this?

Btw, when draining the lower unit I had almost no gear oil and about a cup of water. I'm sure that will explain the hard shifting. Hopefully there are no major parts that are rusted or damaged.

I have attached some pics


Thanks,


Robert

 

[lindy46]

Re: Lower Unit Maintenance

You have to COMPLETELY remove the lower shift rod coupler bolt, or the shift rod will not release. If there is water in the L/U you have a seal leaking somewhere. Could be just the seals/washers on the drain and vent bolts. But there are 4 other seals that could be the culprit. I pressure test the lower unit to see which seal(s) is/are leaking. A seal kit is not that expensive - probably around $20-25. Changing them is not too difficult, but does take some special tools.

 

[robfurman]

Re: Lower Unit Maintenance

You have to COMPLETELY remove the lower shift rod coupler bolt, or the shift rod will not release. If there is water in the L/U you have a seal leaking somewhere. Could be just the seals/washers on the drain and vent bolts. But there are 4 other seals that could be the culprit. I pressure test the lower unit to see which seal(s) is/are leaking. A seal kit is not that expensive - probably around $20-25. Changing them is not too difficult, but does take some special tools.

Seeing that this has the extension on the lower unit, is the lower unit removed first and then the extension. Seeing that I will have it this far apart, I will probably make this a full overhaul doing the water pump if needed, seals, o-rings and impeller if needed.



Thanks,


Robert

 

[robfurman]

Re: Lower Unit Maintenance

Just a note to anyone who might come across this thread. When you loosen up the screw in the oblong access port (Mine is located on the port side, the Seloc manual that I have said it was on the starboard side) you need to loosen it almost to the point where it comes out because the shift shaft has a indentation where the bolt passes next to it while in the shift shaft coupler. So try as you might the lower unit will not come out. Just keep backing out and your lower unit will slide right out. I also ahd to give it a few taps with a rubber mallet. From what I read this is caused by the water pump tubes being tight, more than likely by some corrosion or just plain tight.


Robert