115 hp '74 Johnson lower unit stuck tight

[wantan0]

As the title suggests, I have a 1975 Johnson/Evinrude and I am trying to remove the lower unit to change the water pump. I have already removed the 6 bolts holding the thing together and disconnected the shift rod, so the thing should just slide right off. Unfortunately the lower unit is stuck tight. I tried jiggling, "coercing" it with a mallet, turning the engine, even using some steel shims to try and pry it apart, but nothing's moved the lower unit more than 1/4 of an inch.

I have gone over the manual 5 times already and I haven't seen any bolts or steps that I've missed. The unit must have a corroded spline or linkage somewhere. Any thoughts? it would be a shame to see this engine scrapped after so many years of service.

Thanks in advance.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 115 hp '74 Johnson lower unit stuck tight

Did you get the bolt out that hides under the trim tab?

 

[busted-bayliner]

Re: 115 hp '74 Johnson lower unit stuck tight

+ 1 to this ^

 

[wantan0]

Re: 115 hp '74 Johnson lower unit stuck tight

Yeah, got that one. I pulled off the one under the trim tab and the 5/8 bolt right above the prop in addition to the 4 exterior ones.

 

[boobie]

Re: 115 hp '74 Johnson lower unit stuck tight

Sounds like stuck d/s and c/s splines. I'm sure somebody will chime in with ideas on how to get this apart. Do you have a 1/4 " gap all around the l/u ??

 

[wantan0]

Re: 115 hp '74 Johnson lower unit stuck tight

Yeah, its about 1/4 inch all around the lower unit, but only when I pound these shims in. I'm afraid to push any harder for fear of destroying the housing.

 

[roofcock]

Re: 115 hp '74 Johnson lower unit stuck tight

what about the bolt at the shifter under the carbs