How do I get the lower unit off my 1972 Johnson 85hp outboard?

slubba33

Recruit
Joined
Aug 23, 2013
Messages
2
Can anyone give me a little insight on what is preventing my lower unit to come off after I took out the five main bolts? It doesn't even want to budge. I was reading in the forum about a possible shift linkage that needs to be disconnected. This advice was for a different year and horsepower rated motor.
 

nwcove

Admiral
Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
6,293
Re: How do I get the lower unit off my 1972 Johnson 85hp outboard?

isnt that motor "selectric shift"?
 

JRegier

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Messages
136
Re: How do I get the lower unit off my 1972 Johnson 85hp outboard?

There's another bolt, 1/2" head, under the trim tab. Make sure you disconnect the knife connectors on the starboard side of the motor where the wires go down into the exhaust adaptor. Tie a string or something around them so you can get them back up easier. Should be blue and green; one for neutral and one for reverse.

EDIT: I'd put the larger middle bolt back in a few threads so the LU doesn't drop unexpectedly with all the bolts removed.
 
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slubba33

Recruit
Joined
Aug 23, 2013
Messages
2
Re: How do I get the lower unit off my 1972 Johnson 85hp outboard?

Thanks guys! Big help.
 
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