I have been trying to install a new water pump on my Johnson 150 and I have not been able to figure out how to drop the lower unit after I have gotten all the bolts out. I bought the crappy Seloc manual from West Marine and it was quite the ripoff because it doesn't tell me anything. I have heard varying reports of where the shift linkage disconnect is on this engine and I have not been able to find it for life of me. Anybody have a johnson ocean pro, or know where it is?

Have you tried searching the net for your year model info? Had the same issue when changing the impellar on a 30 Evinrude. Quick check on-line revealed that you had to remove the water intake screen on the foot to access the linkage.

Are you sure that you have all of the bolts out? Make sure there is not one under your trim tab.

PLUS ONE!

There's one under the anode fin too!

Thats the one I was talking about....was ready to set mine on fire till I found that critter n there.

I have taken all the bolts out.. the seloc manual was good for locating that but the linkage disconnect is a mystery. I can even drop the foot about 2 inches but it wont fall off, the manual says something about the shift linkage disconnect bolt which is located mysteriously in the upper engine hosuing but I cant find it..

It should be a small clamp looking deal with a set screw under the powerhead attached to the shift rod.

Their is a small clamp as Stinky mentions below the carbs that is accesable from the port side of the engine. It has a small 3/8 bolt that you remove and that will allow the shift shaft to drop free.

I had to remove the starter to get to one the last time I dropped a Johnson foot.

Bigun I have heard from other people that it is on the starboard side but I have heard more people say its on the port. Do you know if the clamp is on the top/bottom of the housing? I have looked pretty thoroughly and there are a few bolts that fit the description. Do you have a Johnson/Evinrude on your boat?

He does. Its on a boat like mine.

I dont want to take it into the shop and not learn how to do it, id be willing to pay somebody to show me though im about at wits end with this thing. If anybody wants to earn some money and help a guy out let me know..

Mine was accessable from the port side and it is above the lower housing. I used a 3/8 drive wobble head and extension and you will have to move the fuel lines and some wires out of the way to see it, at least on my 96, I had to. Also once you get it undone and the lower unit off be careful not to rotate the shift shaft too much because it screws into the lower unit and if you turn it a couple of turns one way or the other and put it back on it may not go into gear properly. Don't let that scare you but just be cautious of it. Once you find the connection it is a fairly simple job to do. Good Luck

Thanks Bigun that about the best description I have heard yet, I will take a look tomorrow!

Try this link. Its helped me out several times. Just follow the directions and choose your make, year, model and it will give you complete schematic breakdowns for anything on your motor. I had the same problem with my small johnson outboard and had to take off the water inlet cover on the foot to disconnect the linkage. I imagine the bigger motors are like biggun said, under the carb.
http://www.dixiemarinesalesevinrude.com ... fault.aspx

That clamp can be swapped so depending on who
put it on last it may be on the wrong side.

The book to have is by CLYMER.

I finally figured it out with the help of a couple friends, the shift linkage on mine was dead center under the airbox which I had to take off. Took off the bolt which tightens it then I had to put it in forward gear in order for the linkage to pop out on the small pinhole on the shaft. I gotta say this is a crappy design for it but I got it figured out. Thanks guys.