UPDATE: Changing Optic Sensor on J115ELECM

[midsized johnson]

I bought an entire CDI powerpack kit that includes an optic sensor. I pulled the bolt on top of the timing wheel and saw that the metal on the timing wheel and keyway is really rusted. It appears that removing the timing wheel will pretty much destroy it. I dont' really have a problem with that if it isn't going to screw anything else up. Anyone have any experience changing these things when they're in bad shape? I sprayed a little penetrating oil in there, but given the amount of rust I saw, I doubt that will do any good.

 

[boobie]

That wheel usually pops off by hand. Mix up some ATF and Acetone 50:50 and let it soak for a few days and give it a few gentle raps with a screw driver. It sells for about $40.00

 

[midsized johnson]

Thanks Boobie.
I'll try the ATF/acetone mix next. The metal ring with the key way is so rusty, there's no way it'll pop off by hand. It looks more like a tap it and pry type of situation.

 

[boobie]

Patience...............

 

[midsized johnson]

Patience...............

haha! Not my strong point, but I'll take your advice!

 

[midsized johnson]

Just an update. Took Boobie's advice and let the part soak over the weekend. As expected, it was so rusty, there was no way to pry, tap, wiggle a plastic part with a brass insert off of the top of the crankshaft. I ended up breaking it off. The fix was easy enough, I chipped all the plastic off of the brass insert, cut a hole in a towel and taped off the crankshaft below the brass so as to prevent unwanted flying debris from getting all over the outboard. I put a cutoff wheel on my Dremel tool and carefully cut either side of the brass enough to split it, then tapped the two pieces off the shaft. Dressed it and installed new optic sensor and timing wheel. Don't you love it when a $60 dollar job costs $100??? Oh well, coulda been worse!

 

[boobie]

Thanks for the come back.