Johnson Outboard Trouble

I am no machenic but I am working on my 95 johnson faststrike 115 and am replacing the water pump. I am having a problem disconnecting the lower unit from the rest of the motor. It seems that the shaft that connects into the gearbox is hung somehow. What I am wondering is how that shaft comes out or if there is some disconnect that I am missing. Its the shaft that engages the engine in forward and reverse.

Re: Johnson Outboard Trouble

You do have to disconnect that shift rod. Sadly, I haven't worked on that engine. Someone here has, I'm sure, and will tell you where it disconnects.<br /><br />You're also going to get advised by some of the experts here to get a manual before working on your outboard. It's good advice. If you're near a decent-sized library, you can probably find a copy of the Seloc manual that covers your outboard. It will tell you where the shift rod disconnect is located and give you some other tips on your impeller replacement.<br /><br />That's my immediate advice. Find a manual before you go any further.

Re: Johnson Outboard Trouble

Youyr motor has a clip pin thru the shift linkage on the starboard side. Pull that pin out and push the shift linkage in sideways towards the middle of the motor that should release the linkage. Disconnect the shift cable first and Put a bolt or 2 back in the lower unit before you disconnect the shift linkage. Also, I find it easier to re-install the linkage if I split the cowling pan and pull off the port side. You can then see up in there where the shift linkage connects.

Re: Johnson Outboard Trouble

I just did a water pump kit on my 1994 Johnson 150 FastStrike. Do as Walker says. It will be much easier to hook up the shift shaft. I too had trouble dropping the lower unit on mine even though I had unhooked the shift shaft. My shaft turned a very little bit and hung back up on the pin. I put a couple of bolts back in the lower unit and pushed the pin out of the way, and straightened the shaft in order to get the clearance I needed. Make sure you put the water pump plate gasket on the right side (underneath) of pump plate. Also make sure you put the o'ring on driveshaft right below the splines at the top of the shaft it it takes one. I have been told you can tell if it takes one if there is a groove for it right below the splines (or if you are smarter than I - just look at your shaft when you tear it apart to see if there is an o'ring there). Mine did not require one. Good luck!!