I have a 1972 6hp johnson

I removed the 4 screws at the bottom, thelower end dropped down a1/4 inch, can see screw on shift rod but not enough room to get socket in, put in rev,for ward still did not help. Any suggestion would be grateful. Thanks o ray

Re: I have a 1972 6hp johnson

Been a while since I dropped one, I remember having to turn the flywheel a half turn or so to get the driveshaft lined up to re-install... maybe give that a try. Hopefully the driveshaft isn't seized in the crankshaft.

I can't remember if I used a socket or a wrench, my memory isn't that great.

(Disconnect the spark plug so you don't have to worry about it starting...)

Re: I have a 1972 6hp johnson

If there's not a plate on the side, then you just have to play with shifting and squeezing a 1/4 drive swivel socket in there. Turning the prop a little too may help.

Re: I have a 1972 6hp johnson

That's sort of correct. There is a pin through the top end of the drive shaft. That pin has to come down through a slot. So, remove spark plugs. and slowly rotate flywheel till the pin aligns with the slot and the gearcase will drop down enough to disconnect the shift rod. When you get the lower unit off, note the position of the pin so you can put it back the same for reinstallation. Do not rotate the flywheel again till after the motor is reassembled.

It is NOT necessary to remove the pin from the drive shaft to remove the pump. Simply pull the shaft out of the lower unit once the pump is loose. Don't worry, it will go back in, no matter what you may have been told.

Re: I have a 1972 6hp johnson

F_R, I have that same model outboard, and the driveshaft is not able top be pulled up without taking the lower apart. The shaft is keyed to the pinion gear.

Re: I have a 1972 6hp johnson

put handle in REVERSE.
In 72' model if you want to instal new impeler you have to take out water pump housing, so must take out upper pin,
no way to take out hole drive shaft.
in 77' model you can take out but in 72' no way