Need help removing lower unit on johnson 85hp

Hello, I'm new to this forum and boats in general.. I have a 17' boat with a 1977 johnson v4 85hp... My first boat and it needs a water pump change.. I removed all the bolts, and it won't come loose.. ive read where i need to unhook the shift rod, however im not sure if that pertains to this motor and where it is, i read under the carbs and i see what looks like the shift rod but i don't see a hex head screw or a way to release it... Please help would like to get it fixed for the weekend... Thanks in advance and hope this is posted in the correct section...
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On a 1977 I think it has a different linkage than 1978 and up. I fI remember correctly the linkage is on the same side as the shift cable. Dont forget about the bolt under the trim tab.

It was right around that year they changed the shift linkage, but either way it has to be disconnected. The early style had a pivot bolt that a 5/8"or9/16" hex head that you loosened and spread out the linkage to disconnect it. The newer style had a bolt with a 3/8" or 7/16" hex bolt underneath the bottom carb that would be facing you if you looked under there from the stbd side. Leave a bolt in the lower unit so it doesnt fall on your foot when it falls.

I have a manual on the way but doesnt help me for now... That makes great sense, Thanks... ive been racking my brain looking for the newer style under the carb... If i posted a picture could you maybe point out the bolt? I will run out and look again also of course.. Thanks alot again


edit: Yes i got the trim tab and bolt in front of that off... I found that out after reading some info online, But thanks for the tip..

Ok i have a few pics, maybe they will help in what i have... or save and edit with a circle around the parts i need to loosen.. what ever is easier... Thanks again

and ........

it should be the piece that is perpendicular to the shift cables behind the carbs

yes that is indeed the shift rod location, But what bolt do i remove to loosen the assembly? I'm mechanically inclined on cars but boats until i tear into one has me thrown off.. Once i figure it out i know i'll be like, AH that was easy :D

remove the bolt that the shift linkage pivots on.. also remove the small bolt thats on this end of the linkage(has an aprox. 3/8ths headed nut).. when u remove the pivot bolt.. the 2 pieces should pull apart.... it also easier to do if u unclamp the throttle and shift cables and raise them up out of your way.. everything u need to work on is under the bottom carb...

Ok got the linkage out and water pump all changed,,, stupid question but do i need to apply gasket sealer between the lower unit and the motor where they bolt together? I didn't use any and it leaks all around the seem... so either its not seated properly or it needs gasket sealer.. Thanks for any help

no sealer there, just bolt it up!, what is leaking? exhaust? if its leaking exhaust you probably cocked the little piece that routes the exhaust gas from the tuner to the lower unit.

any reason why its leaking around the seam? maybe the water inlets arent mated and its not got a good seal because its not letting me snug it up? and now the engine seemed to be loading up, maybe not cooling? i only ran it for a few minutes and some water was shooting out... got dark and i shut it down for the night

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Originally Posted by chynewalkr

no sealer there, just bolt it up!, what is leaking? exhaust? if its leaking exhaust you probably cocked the little piece that routes the exhaust gas from the tuner to the lower unit.

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water is leaking where the lower unit and center section (don't know the name) mates up... i used sealer on the bolts when i re-installed them, I thought it didn't look quite tight around the seem... and i was right i guess.. I'll lower it tomorrow and make sure the water tubes are matched up correct... would this make it run kinda rough? It ran perfect before disasembly

oh, you have the older style lower unit with the tubes. most likely you misaligned one of the tubes, they sure are a pain in the A%$ to get lined up. you'll be an expert in no time. :D

i dont think running the motor without the cooling water for a short time would make it run ruff, but the exhaust may sound snappier and crisper because there is no cooling water being dumped into the exhaust.

by the way, some people call the center section the center section, or mid section, or just mid.

Thanks a lot.... Very helpful.. I will loosen the bolts tomorrow and lower the LU and re-align the ports... Might have been just cold also.. it was 9:30 pm when i fired it up on the hose..

Thanks again