stuck lower unit

[DollarBill]

I need to replace the water pump on my 1985 30HP Johnson. I have owned the motor since new and the lower unit has never been off. I have removed the four bolts which attach the lower unit to the mid-section and the single nut on the threaded stud at the front. The shift linkage is disconnected. I can't get the lower unit to separate from the mid-section. It hasn't dropped at all. It appears that the back portion is free but the front is being held fast. I wondered if salt build up around the front stud could be the problem or whether the drive shaft spine could be binding in the crank shaft. Any advice will be greatly appreciated? Thanks

 

[alcan]

Re: stuck lower unit

Hi Bill<br /> Sitting here it sort of hard to say exactly. Lets hope it is just the forward stud hanging up. Try useing a little heat feom a propane tourch. Heat up the area around the stud. Maybe try putting a block or something on top of the nut, on the stud, and try jacking it down with the nut. Or use a heavy rubber mallet and smack the nose of the gear case, to cause vibration. What ever you do, do it carefully, espiecally the jacking idea. Use heat carefully also.