1978 JOHNSON 115 THERMOSTAT HOUSING HELP

[phx5kegsman]

Hello, I have a 78 115 v4 and I want to check/change the thermostats. I have the factory service manual, but it's not clear (or I'm just not seeing it) if its's absolutely necessary to pull the power head. Can the thermostat housing be removed w/o hoisting up the powerhead??

Thanks!

 

[F_R]

I believe that is a bubbleback exhaust, which restricts access to the thermostat housing. Can it be done without pulling the powerhead? Not 100% sure on that. I think I recall seeing some butchering to gain access.

 

[racerone]

The 115 does not have the bubble exhaust.----The powerhead does NOT need to be removed.----Removing that horseshoe cowling may help to do this inspection.-----Easy project on most freshwater motors.

 

[F_R]

1978 115hp parts book sez it has bubbleback exhaust. But what do I know, I'm not there to look.

 

[racerone]

Nope----The 115 does not use the bubble !!-----Look over the parts book with the details and part numbers.-----You will see the mistake in the listing !!!------For the bubble it might say " 140 models only "

 

[phx5kegsman]

It does not have the bubble back exhaust. I removed the cowling and, depending on the length of the bolts, may be able to remove them

 

[racerone]

The 3 bolts stay in that housing.------Also holds everything together / aligned for assembly.-------2 pieces of fishing line and hold it together.-----Then just before final tightening you cut and remove fishing line.

 

[phx5kegsman]

Well, I was able to get the center bolt out ,but not the two side bolts. Rather then pull the powerhead, I chose the "butcher method and drilled two holes in the lower cover, just big enough to fit a 1/4" drive socket. I figure I'll search online for some kind of rubber plug to put in the two holes to keep water out. I'll try the fishing line trick when I install the new thermostats. They should be here Monday or Tuesday. Thanks!!

 

[phx5kegsman]

The new thermostats, gaskets, springs, etc arrived today. Do I need to put any sealant or adhesive on the gaskets? If so, are there any recommendations?