Johnson 8, getting lower unit off

[StrataCWM]

I have removed the two bottom screws next to the Zinc thing above the prop and have removed the screw at to front of the lower unit. I have some pivoting movement, but haven't figured out how the lower unit comes off. There is one other screw that has a plate and is where the intake screen is, but I have unscrewed it for five minutes and it doesn't appear to have moved a millimeter. Does this screw half to come out also or this there some type of twisting thing I have to do to remove the lower unit?

 

[its-a-sweater]

Re: Johnson 8, getting lower unit off

JT,<br /><br />DID YOU UNHOOK THE SHIFT SHAFT UNDER THE CARB?

 

[alcan]

Re: Johnson 8, getting lower unit off

Hi JTWarner<br />It sounds to me your on the right track. Remove those three screws and the gear case should pull off.You need to shift to forward gear. Sometimes this can be a chalenge because of crosoion. I think its probably just a little stuck on the water pipe grommets. Try GENTLY and evenly pring. Sometimes I'll use a rubber mallet to tap downward. Don't tap anywhere thin like the cavition plate. You shouldn't have to disconnect shift rod under carb. I need year and model# to know for sure. Hope this helps.

 

[StrataCWM]

Re: Johnson 8, getting lower unit off

1996 Sailmaster<br />M/N: JBSRLEDD<br />S/N: 003827535

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: Johnson 8, getting lower unit off

JT, what you really need is a shop manual, it gives you step by step instructions, on all the procedures. Sometimes getting it off is easy, but putting it back can be a lot of fun.

 

[StrataCWM]

Re: Johnson 8, getting lower unit off

The 1996 - 2000 manual offered on this site is on backorder, can you recommend another site or manual. Also, I have been able to attain about a 3/4" gap between the lower unit and the middle unit, but it will not budge anymore.

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: Johnson 8, getting lower unit off

Try going to www.marine-outboards.com

 

[StrataCWM]

Re: Johnson 8, getting lower unit off

They don't offer a '96 to '00 manual, so in the absense of a manual, can anyone offer some assistance?

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: Johnson 8, getting lower unit off

JT-Give another try at www.bartswatersports.com. I have the manual you need but it is on by boat which is 60 miles away. I did the job last april, but I don't want to steer you wrong by giving you the wrong info. I will say this, I will probably let a mech. do it next time as it was a real pain on a 175hp eng. The marina would have done it for $75.+ parts.

 

[wippb]

Re: Johnson 8, getting lower unit off

JT<br />Another option for a manual is that if you have a dealer near by have him order an OEM manual specific to your motor.<br /><br />Just my $0.02 worth

 

[GF]

Re: Johnson 8, getting lower unit off

JT Warner<br /> You said you had the lower end approx 3/4 of an inch apart. Look inside the leg at that point and you should see a metal connection which joins the shift rod. remove the screw and the lower end will seperate as required.<br /><br />Gary

 

[StrataCWM]

Re: Johnson 8, getting lower unit off

I got a 1995 to 1998 manual at E&B, the manual says nothing about removing a screw only shifting the gear into forward. At this point, the lower end is almost an inch down and I can see the bolts for the impeller, but it just won't budge another millimeter. I can't figure out whether its the "rubber grommet" or the shaft. If anyone is willing to talk on the phone with me, send an e-mail to jwarner2@tampabay.rr.com with your phone number and I'll call you.

 

[alcan]

Re: Johnson 8, getting lower unit off

JTWarner<br />You might have to remove the powerhead (as a unit) and disconect shift rod at the top. It sounds like the joint in this rod is frozen. Just relax take your time, It'll all work out.