Shifter/Propeller Shaft Removal

[Bracky]

I have a 1970 Johnson 70HP motor. I have removed the reverse gear and am I am at the point where the manual says "Pull on the shifter and Propeller shafts at the same time sufficiently to dis-engage them" My problem is that I cannot get the propeller shaft out. I pull on both shafts, but cannot get them to seperate. If I pull on the propeller shaft, then the shifter goes down (back into reverse) If I then pull on the shifter it pulls the propeller shaft back into the housing. What am I missing?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Shifter/Propeller Shaft Removal

Welcome!!

Lets start at the begining. What's the model number? There wasn't a 70 hp in 1970. The 1970 60 hp wasn't mechanical shift so it doesn't have a "shifter". 1980 70 hp maybe? The model number will tell us what it is.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Shifter/Propeller Shaft Removal

My closest guess would be a 1974 70 HP,where the shift rod has to be REMOVED from the gearcase as the propshaft is pulled out of the gearcase.

DHP

 

[Bracky]

Re: Shifter/Propeller Shaft Removal

Sorry,
I typed that wrong. It is a 1979 70HP motor. Model # J70ELCSA I just finished rebuilding the entire top end and have 5 hours on it now. (had a siezed piston) I was getting a lot of water in the lower unit oil, so I figured I might as well replace all the seals. I have them since I ordered an entire rebuild kit anyway.
Thanks

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Shifter/Propeller Shaft Removal

In that case you probably need the factory manual,or problems will pester the whole rebuild.But .... basically you push the shift rod down (for reverse) then unsrew it and remove it.Now you can remove the propshaft assembly. (this takes into account the driveshaft and pinion gear have been removed).

DHP

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Shifter/Propeller Shaft Removal

by the way the model # you list indicates a 1980 motor.

DHP

 

[Bracky]

Re: Shifter/Propeller Shaft Removal

The top end is complete and is running beautifully. I do have a manual (Clymer)
According to the book the propeller shaft is to be removed before the driveshaft. I cannot get to the pinion nut until the propeller shaft is removed. The pics even show this as being done first. If I push the shifter rod down, unscrew it and then try to pull out the propeller shaft, the shifter just gets pulled back up into forward.

Here are the steps:
Grasp shift rod with one hand. Grasp propeller shaft with the other hand. Pull on the shift and propeller shaft at the same time sufficiently to disengage them.
Disengage the shift rod from the assist cylinder and remove the assist cylinder. (I do not have this)
Remove the power assist cylinder.
Remove the propeller shaft with reverse gear and retainer plate from the gearcase
Install drive shaft holding socket on drive shaft spines and connect a breaker bar
Hold pinion locknut with a socket and flex handle. Pad the gearcase where the flexhandle will hit with shop cloths to prevent housing damage.
(loosen pinion nut)

I checked again and the book shows a 1980 motor would end with CS? Mine ends SA which is not included in the 1980 on designation. Does the A mean something else?

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Shifter/Propeller Shaft Removal

It's the CS that translates to the year,the A is for minor variances.

I realize you are new to this board,so welcome! ! !

If you read around a bit you will probably conclude that we don't hold the Clymer book as a manual.You need the factory one for this type of work.Look at kencook.com.

DHP

 

[Bracky]

Re: Shifter/Propeller Shaft Removal

Oh-Ok I can buy that answer. I did bookmark that page in case I need to buy a book, but I'm still hoping someone has an idea what is holding me up from disconecting the shifter and propeller shaft. I'd like to get out on the water again this weekend.
Thanks again

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Shifter/Propeller Shaft Removal

Good luck ! My post above (#5) I believe,tells you the basics.I just can't make that part of your manual you are using come true.

DHP

 

[Bracky]

Re: Shifter/Propeller Shaft Removal

Hey, Thanks,
Because of your help I finally found out I was looking at the wrong section in my book. I was looking at the hydro-mechanical (whaever that is) section instead of the mechanical as I have. I had to get the pinion out first and then it all came apart easily. Thanks again.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Shifter/Propeller Shaft Removal

Bracky,

Thanks for the reply ! !

This forum NEEDS feedback when the advice works! And when it doesn't ! !


DHP