I feel dumb, 50 hp 1999 water pump

[11B40]

Here is the story; I'm 66, combat disabled, and grumpy as hell. I have the manual for the J50PLEEA motor and yes I know I need to disconnect the shift rod to the lower unit. The manual stinks as does the picture. The talk about loosening/ removing the screw before I remove the 4 obvious nuts and the one countersunk bolt. Under stand I have done water pumps before with success. So I'm old but where is the top shift rod bolt? As of now I think it's on the port side somewhere that I can't see nor get to without removing the starter motor? Please I need a more detailed area to attack, it would help out another old guy that I'm doing the water pump for as a favor.
Thanks Much,
Wayne

 

[Rick.]

Re: I feel dumb, 50 hp 1999 water pump

Hi Wayne. On my 95 - 40 HP. the disconnect is directly under the bottom carb. A terrible thing to get at and all the manual says is disconnect it. No indication of where it is. I wasted an afternoon trying to locate it but I wasn't looking under the carb. Heck you can't see it until you remove the breather anyway. I think I even removed the starter before I could really see what it was. Some have posted good success by dropping the lower cowl to get at it. I have not tried since hearing that. You almost need help to get it back together as my shift rod kept pushing out the cowl grommet it goes through. If your grumpy now, just wait. LOL. Best of luck. Rick. P.S. Don't feel dumb. Many have not been able to find it.

 

[11B40]

Re: I feel dumb, 50 hp 1999 water pump

Hi Wayne. On my 95 - 40 HP. the disconnect is directly under the bottom carb. A terrible thing to get at and all the manual says is disconnect it. No indication of where it is. I wasted an afternoon trying to locate it but I wasn't looking under the carb. Heck you can't see it until you remove the breather anyway. I think I even removed the starter before I could really see what it was. Some have posted good success by dropping the lower cowl to get at it. I have not tried since hearing that. You almost need help to get it back together as my shift rod kept pushing out the cowl grommet it goes through. If your grumpy now, just wait. LOL. Best of luck. Rick. P.S. Don't feel dumb. Many have not been able to find it.

Thank you Rick, When the Sun is up I'll look again. You made me feel better, but from the sound of the job I may have to keep the Valium handy. If I think out of the norm and find an easier way I'll post it.

 

[richardgreen]

Re: I feel dumb, 50 hp 1999 water pump

Search out previous posting titled "I wish to introduce myself" and see if the instructions listed there might be helpful

 

[11B40]

Re: I feel dumb, 50 hp 1999 water pump

I loosened and moved the bottom cowl and got the screw for the shift linkage out. Now my concern is the recessed 5/8 headed bolt, it moved a little but feels real tight. The 4 others broke free fairly easy. So should I just go for it? Use my air ratchet? I can't see any way to hit it with PB-Blaster to help.

 

[Rick.]

Re: I feel dumb, 50 hp 1999 water pump

If it moves even a little I would just coax it out rather than use an air tool. Loosen it a bit then tighten it and then loosen it and keep repeating until it is turning easily. Rick.

 

[11B40]

Re: I feel dumb, 50 hp 1999 water pump

If it moves even a little I would just coax it out rather than use an air tool. Loosen it a bit then tighten it and then loosen it and keep repeating until it is turning easily. Rick.

Thanks again Rick, Worked it back and forth and it's out. Why I mentioned the air ratchet was I have found at times there is less strain in backing out instead of using a side pull like a ratchet handle.
What I found after locking it in my padded vise was the casting slots around both the shifting plastic housing and the pump base were packed with either fine sand. Looking ahead I'm surprised the OEM calls for thread locker on the lower unit bolts? I would think never-seize compound might be better for the future.

 

[Rick.]

Re: I feel dumb, 50 hp 1999 water pump

Glad your getting it done. Your post start with you saying you feel dumb. I had a look at your Indian pictures and now I feel dumb. You obviously know a great deal (more than I) about pulling wrenches. What a beautiful bike. Rick.

 

[11B40]

Re: I feel dumb, 50 hp 1999 water pump

Glad your getting it done. Your post start with you saying you feel dumb. I had a look at your Indian pictures and now I feel dumb. You obviously know a great deal (more than I) about pulling wrenches. What a beautiful bike. Rick.

Well thank you again Rick, I know it's off topic but of all the cars and bikes I built over the years that 47 Chief was my favorite. It also was probably the only vehicle I ever made any cash on. All parts were original Indian and even though I rode it for 30 years it would still score highly in shows. I sold it when I could no longer ride due to my spinal cord issues. I rode it in a Burger King commercial and it was also in GQ with some lame actor sitting on it. If you follow the folders you'll see the Navy Seals motor I owned. Great story on that since it was made to be submerged to 60+ feet and then run after turning some valves and dry pulling it. Also my boat is in the folder Pro-Drive.