1976 Johnson 70 HP outboard motor: How do you remove the lower unit (hydro-mech crankcase)?

Question

I have: drained the oil, removed the prop, the trim tab, the four flange bolts and the trim tab bolt. So far it's dropped about 1/2" .

Answer 1

whoa, hold on there, before you start shaking it, disconnect the shift rod under the bottom carb.  Should be a hex head s***w accessible from the port side with a long socket extension, a little bit of grease in the socket will help keep it from falling.  Sorry don't remember if it's 3/8 or 7/16.

1976 3-cyl have mechanical shift -- you might have a '75 or earlier lower unit -- no matter really as long as you know which gear oil to use.

Answer 2

Jtexas caught this right away.  He's right!  Good Luck!

Answer 3

shake it it will come off