Removing lower unit

fpelton

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2005
Messages
8
I have an 1985 Johnson 30 that has a bent skeg. I am going to have a machine shop straighten it. They would prefer if I only give them the lower unit. Is separating the lower unit tricky, or is it just a matter of removing the oil and spliting the casing and it slides out? <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Bob
 

reeldutch

Lieutenant
Joined
Feb 2, 2004
Messages
1,340
Re: Removing lower unit

you dont have to remove the gearcase oil.<br />disconnect the shiftlinkage and take ALL the bolts out.<br />but before you start get a manuel it will help you a whole lot.<br /><br />good luck
 

fpelton

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2005
Messages
8
Re: Removing lower unit

I just recently got this engine and know I need to get the shop manual. I want to bring the lower unit to the shop tomorrow and I have some extra time this evening, so I was considering breaking it down tonight - so I'm hoping to get <br />some more info.<br /><br />Thanks a bunch.<br /><br />Bob
 

jgrisham02633

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 26, 2005
Messages
126
Re: Removing lower unit

Hi fpelton, There is a hidden bolt under the tracking anode gizmo thingy, I don't know what it's called exactly but I know you have to remove it and then remove the bolt under it or the leg will not drop down. The shifter linkage is a little tricky depending on your motor, its kind of hard to get at but not to bad, it is located below the carbs toward the block, I think you'll want to move your shifter to a certain position to get the right angle to get at the bolt/screw. Not a big deal really, you should do the water pump while you've got it off, they are usually fairly inexpensive. Have fun
 

jgrisham02633

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 26, 2005
Messages
126
Re: Removing lower unit

Can you get something on the skeg to bend it back, A 30 is pretty small, maybe a large pipe wrench, should be plenty of leverage. Could be worth a try?
 

fpelton

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2005
Messages
8
Re: Removing lower unit

Thanks for the help. I'm going to start on it right now. I'm nervous about putting a wrench to the skeg as I'm worried I could snap it off. Good advice on the water pump. Thanks,<br />Bob
 

fpelton

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2005
Messages
8
Re: Removing lower unit

Well I started to remove the bolts on the lower unit and thought, "the bent skag isn't too bad" so I tried to straighten it myself and "snap". <br />I guess I will definately be removing it now and see what the machinge shop says.<br />I'll post on the progress.<br />Bob
 
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