lower unit wont drop??

[jkseahorse]

I am trying to change the water pump on a 90 hp Johnson. Its an 1982 J90TLCNB. I disconnected the shift rod. removed the 4 bolts on the sides of lower housing. Removed the large one in the middle. Removed the hidden one under the trim tab. Lower unit will still not drop. What am I missing?? Please help.

 

[KenMcG]

Re: lower unit wont drop??

The spline drive shaft may be gummed into the engine at the top. Try some moderate shock force with a plastic hammer or a steel hammer against a block of wood.

 

[jkseahorse]

Re: lower unit wont drop??

Wow, finally got the %&$#@ off! Just took a lot of tapping and wiggling. The water pump looks fine. Hmmm...... the bits of rubber I found in the exhaust manifold/ cooling system were either from an old impellar (that was since replaced) or came from somewhere else. Where else would little bits of rubber (about the size of nerds candy) have come from??

 

[KenMcG]

Re: lower unit wont drop??

Do not the impeller blades look worn and flattened out on one side? There is probably a large rubber tube, maybe an inch long that connects the water pump to a tube when you reassemble. Since you went this far, I would replace the impeller. A dealer wanted $38 for an impeller. I got one at iboats.com for $9. If you look well with a worklight, you will find some rubber piece with nerds sized pieces of rubber missing. How about the thermostat gasket?

 

[OptsyEagle]

Re: lower unit wont drop??

I doubt that your impeller material would make it all the way through your motor and out into your exhaust. More likely it is rubber engine mounts, if your motor has them.