Finally created an account:clap2:, but anyways, thought I would see if i could get some help on my motor. I am attempting to replace the water pump on my johnson, but i'm unable to gain enough room to disconnect the shift linkage from the bottom unit. Yes, I have already watched multiple videos on how to do it and have searched many forms looking for a solution, but no one seems to have the same problem as me. I've disconnected the four bolts that hold the bottom unit in, and have thrown the linkage in reverse. After I did this the bottom unit did release from the housing, but only half an inch. I have tried everything in order to move the unit just another inch or so in order to fit a socket or wrench in to disconnect the linkage, but to no avail. I resorted to removing the entire housing in order to disconnect the shift linkage from the lever in order to see if it will create more slack for the unit to drop down further, but it didn't. So now i'm stuck, and hoping for some assistance. Thanks!
1.first picture shows how small of a gap I'm talking about
2. second picture shows where i disconnected the shift linkage(hand) and the gap is shown at the complete bottom of the picture. it didnt move any further down when i did this
3. third picture just showing the bolt that needs to be removed
1.first picture shows how small of a gap I'm talking about
2. second picture shows where i disconnected the shift linkage(hand) and the gap is shown at the complete bottom of the picture. it didnt move any further down when i did this
3. third picture just showing the bolt that needs to be removed