Removing lower unit on 1966 Johnson

emsfire138

Cadet
Joined
Aug 15, 2003
Messages
8
I am working on a 1966 Johnson 6hp Seahorse that I recently obtained. (Model CD-23 E) I want to replace the impeller and housing as a precaution (I don't know when it was done last). I am more familiar with I/Os, as far as dropping the lower unit. Does anyone have any advise. I'm not sure yet if there is anything "odd" that I should expect. Are the 4 bolts on the shaft just above the cav. plate all I have to remove to drop it? Are there any potential "stumbling blocks" I should be aware of? Any advise would be appreciated. I would like to find a repair manual for this era. Any suggestions where to find a good one? <br />Any input would be appreciated.....
 

Reel Appeal

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 19, 2002
Messages
566
Re: Removing lower unit on 1966 Johnson

If your motor has F-N-R gears you must dis-connect the shift lever first.The connection should be behind/under the carb.Put the motor in forward gear before dropping the l/u(and before dis-connecting shift linkage).That manual would be great if you can find one for that year.Good luck. :D
 

emsfire138

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Joined
Aug 15, 2003
Messages
8
Re: Removing lower unit on 1966 Johnson

The motor does have F-N-R gears. I do not see anything resembling a shift lever near the carb. The shift lever is on the side (starboard if on boat). I loosened the 4 bolts above the cav plate. It appears there is a "link" of some sort in the shift lever there. (2 screws on small brass blocks with the rod coming out of each end). I cannot find any other sign of access to the shift rod. It looks like it would be difficult to re-attach that "link", as there's not much room to re-align it. <br />Any info anyone?
 

Reel Appeal

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 19, 2002
Messages
566
Re: Removing lower unit on 1966 Johnson

:eek: sorry ems,I meant the "shift rod".The connection(linkage) is usually under the carb,set back a little near the engine block.You may have to remove the carb to gain access and better sight of it.If you are un-familiar with this area,check Hooty's link for a manual.Good luck.
 

wes_moore

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Joined
Nov 29, 2002
Messages
23
Re: Removing lower unit on 1966 Johnson

I have an engine the same size and around the same era. I have the long shaft model, and I was wondering does anyone have a clue if the shaft can be shortened to the short shaft size? there is a section above the cav plate and it is about 5" long which is the difference in size between the short and long shaft size.<br />any help who be appreciated.<br /><br />----------------<br />Wes<br /><br />P.S.If you go to http://mitglied.lycos.de/old_omc/ <br />they havepics from the original catalog, which I found great!
 

envy83

Seaman
Joined
Aug 12, 2003
Messages
68
Re: Removing lower unit on 1966 Johnson

I just pulled apart a seahorse and ran into the same problem with the shifter. The only way we could do it is to pull off the plate on the shaft, have a friend get in there with a pair of needle nose pliers and have us lower the motor down. Then shift gears and force the rods back together.
 
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