Finally started the water pump repair on my 1996 Johnson 112VR. I bought the boat in 2001 and have not dropped the lower unit since then. Don’t know if it has ever been removed, for that matter.
Anyhow, I put some penetrating oil on all the bolts a few days ago, and all 6 of them came right out with no problem (which was a good thing.) Because I have to disconnect the shift linkage, the Clymers manual told me to remove the retaining clip, which I did with no problem.
Now for the bad news. I had an extra set of hands nearby when I removed the last bolt, expecting the lower unit to detach. It didn’t, even after I went around the unit (gently) with a rubber hammer to persuade it. I could see some gapping in a couple of areas, but it won’t come apart.
Is the lower unit simply stuck to the upper housing because it may have never been apart, or do I not have something loosened right with the shift linkage? Should I move the shift cable back and forth? The directions say (after the retaining clip is removed) to push the shift lever toward the power head to disenage the shift shaft from the bellcrank on the port end of the engine’s shift shaft. When I took the clip out, the shaft was in the reverse position.
What now, all you gearheads out there?
Sammie
