Help! Can't find shift linkage bolt. Johnson seahorse 6hp

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Cadet
Joined
Jul 4, 2013
Messages
8
Hi Guys,

I bought a non working 1986 johnson seahorse 6hp as a project to learn something about 2 stroke outboards.
After searching on the forum I cannot find how to remove the lower unit as the shift rod is still in place.

I read about a bolt under the carb or close to the shifter but I can't find what I'm looking for.

Can anyone help me out?


Here are somepics:

photo (1).JPGphoto (2).JPGphoto.JPG

Thanks!
 

mars bar

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 30, 2008
Messages
395
Re: Help! Can't find shift linkage bolt. Johnson seahorse 6hp

Some motors have a side plate half way down the LU or sometimes when you drop the LU it only goes down a bit and you'll see a coupler joining the two shift linkages together. Give that a try?
 

modup

Cadet
Joined
Jul 4, 2013
Messages
8
Re: Help! Can't find shift linkage bolt. Johnson seahorse 6hp

Hi Marsbar,I did see the coupler but it has 2 flathead screws and I can only reach one of them. Not sure if I will be able to just yank it out. Don't want to break anything.
 

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Cadet
Joined
Jul 4, 2013
Messages
8
Re: Help! Can't find shift linkage bolt. Johnson seahorse 6hp

thanksI got it off:)
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: Help! Can't find shift linkage bolt. Johnson seahorse 6hp

FYI - your motor is not a 1986. Looks late 1970s.
 

modup

Cadet
Joined
Jul 4, 2013
Messages
8
Re: Help! Can't find shift linkage bolt. Johnson seahorse 6hp

FYI - your motor is not a 1986. Looks late 1970s.

That's good to know.The guy told me 86. I can't find any serial numbers on the outboard so I can't look it up.

thx
 

nwcove

Admiral
Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
6,293
Re: Help! Can't find shift linkage bolt. Johnson seahorse 6hp

.....in your second pic, there is a nickel sized aluminum plug just forward of the bottom coil....good chance of finding the model number there.
 

Tim Frank

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 29, 2008
Messages
5,333
Re: Help! Can't find shift linkage bolt. Johnson seahorse 6hp

FYI - your motor is not a 1986. Looks late 1970s.

I'd say 1979....and there is something a bit off about the carb. The low speed needle is about 1/2 the length it should be.
 

modup

Cadet
Joined
Jul 4, 2013
Messages
8
Re: Help! Can't find shift linkage bolt. Johnson seahorse 6hp

I'd say 1979....and there is something a bit off about the carb. The low speed needle is about 1/2 the length it should be.

Yes, it should reach the outside of the outboard right? So you van adjust lean/rich without taking of the outboard cover.
 

bonzoscott

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 26, 2008
Messages
745
Re: Help! Can't find shift linkage bolt. Johnson seahorse 6hp

No, needle does not reach outside the outboard. The plastic knob that attaches through hole extends deep in there to reach the L/S needle. There may be a grommet that fits in the hole as well. I started to purchase a knob / dial for a 4hp until I seen it was like $27. Get your motor running right on the water, setting the low speed correctly and forget about it.
 

modup

Cadet
Joined
Jul 4, 2013
Messages
8
Re: Help! Can't find shift linkage bolt. Johnson seahorse 6hp

No, needle does not reach outside the outboard. The plastic knob that attaches through hole extends deep in there to reach the L/S needle. There may be a grommet that fits in the hole as well. I started to purchase a knob / dial for a 4hp until I seen it was like $27. Get your motor running right on the water, setting the low speed correctly and forget about it.

it does seem to be working so I will leave it for now. Need to fix the cooling system first as it's not working at all. I'm looking into buying a manual and came across this one:

Johnson Evinrude Outboards 1.25-60HP 1973-1989 Repair Manual 1-2 Cylinder, 2 Stroke - Seloc 1302-IB - iboats

Does anyone know if this is the right one for this engine?

Thanks,
 

bonzoscott

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 26, 2008
Messages
745
Re: Help! Can't find shift linkage bolt. Johnson seahorse 6hp

Many have advised against the after market manuals. Although it may help, it can be mis-leading. Best to target OEM manual.
 
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