I need to know how to change water pump on a 1989,65 hp johnson have problem getting lower unit to drop down?

Not sure if your particular model is the same as mine, but there are usually two things that cause a bit of a problem with leg removal.



First thing is the gear selector rod, some of the OMC range of outboards have a small clamp that connects the reversing lever to the selector rod. If you follow the shaft that goes into the engine housing from the reversing lever, it leads right under the engine block very low down.



Attached to the end of this is a small bellcrank with the mentioned bolted coupling ( usually two bolts ) undo the lower bolt to release the gear shaft.



The above assumes that the leg is moving away from the upper unit by about a fingers width, moving the gear selector will confirm that this is what is fouling.



If the leg is still fixed firmly and you are sure that all the holding bolts have been released, then the problem usually lies in the upper gear shaft having siezed in the engine drive spline.



I suggest you take the motor to a repair shop because you have to get a bit physical with the lower unit and it is very easy to do some serious damage.



Hope this helpsI need to know how to change water pump on a 1989,65 hp johnson have problem getting lower unit to drop down?
Here's an exploded view of the lower unit.



And a guide to water pump installations in general.I need to know how to change water pump on a 1989,65 hp johnson have problem getting lower unit to drop down?
Did you forget to disconnect the shift rod
YOU FORGOT TO UNBOLT THE SHIFT ROD AT THE TOP !!!! I DID TOO IF IT MAKES YOU FEEL ANY BETTER !! You REMOVE the starter motor to get to the top screw, support the bottom skeg on the motor because, once you take the screw out, the lower unit just drops, FAST and HEAVY ! Then she'll slide out.