1991 Johnson 120 shift disconnector help!

I have a 1991 Johnson 120 V4 Mod no VJ120TLEIE. I am trying to replace the water housing and impeller with a new kit. I have a SELOC manual and have done everything else up to shift disconnect (plug wires off, pos battery cable off, and starter motor removed) I am stuck on disconnecting the shift shaft. The manual states it is under the lower carb and shows a picture where it is. But the picture is terrible and it looks like the whole front of the motor is removed to take the pic down to the intake. I think I see the bolt they are talking about but am unsure. Even if it is the bolt they are talking about I have yet to find a way to reach it with a wrench or socket.

Is there some sort of trick to disconnecting it? Do I have to remove a bunch of stuff or am I just going about it wrong? And finally should I even be looking for a bolt? The manual later states, in lower unit install, to reinstall the bolt or pin for the shift disconnect. Got the manual, have some mechanincal skill, need help to get past this! :

Re: 1991 Johnson 120 shift disconnector help!

Don't really understand why the starter had to come of but that's no big deal. Pop the pans loose and remove the port side. Very simple, only takes a minute and everything will be real easy.

Re: 1991 Johnson 120 shift disconnector help!

Thanks for the response. I was unsure why the starter had to be removed too. Can you please explain what "pans" are. I am new to the boating thing and specifically 2 cycles. Thanks.

Re: 1991 Johnson 120 shift disconnector help!

The pans are what the hood sets on. There are about 4 bolts (I think) that hold them together. Access them from the starboard side. Once loose you can easily slide the port pan off to expose everything. The starboard side doesn't have to come off.

Re: 1991 Johnson 120 shift disconnector help!

just went through taking mine off on a 200hp johnson. if yours is similar, take a long screw driver and you can easily get to the bolt from the starter side.