Gearcase removal

[D.T.'s]

My friend said his water pump wasn't working so I tried getting the gearcase off tonight. I couldn't. The shift shaft did not want to come out and the drive shaft may still be connected. Why couldn't I get it off? I took all the bolts off and got it to drop 1" or so. What did I miss? It's a Johnson 60 hp triple. Mid 1990's.<br /><br />Will sand destroy a water pump? Seems like a little sand came out of the lower unit with the suction cup water supply...

 

[OBJ]

Re: Gearcase removal

Welcome D.T.!<br /><br />Probably need to find out why your bud seems to think the pump wasn't working. Did it over heat and sound the alarm? Some sand won't hurt the pump...running a lot in sand will eventually.<br /><br />The reason the gear case won't drop is because you need to release the shift rod. Look in the engine pan on the starboard side. Look where the shift lever goes back under the lower carb. There will be a hitch pin sticking through the lever. Pull it out and push the shift lever to the port side to release the shift rod. Helps to disconnect the shift cable. And...watch your foot when the shift lever releases.