I came across 1974 johnson 15hp with a good powerhead but the lower was in bad shape. The bearing carrier has been broke out almost like the prop had hung on something and pull the carier out. Any way the lower has sat for who knows how long with no oil and has rusted where the prop shaft will not turn. I would like to get it apart to see if anything is salvagable. What is the best thing to soak the gear case in to loosen things up. Also when I get the prop shaft and gears out can i hammer the drive shaft downi n to the gearcase to free the pinion gear? The pinion gear is the only thing that holds the driveshaft from falling down into the gearcase correct?
