02 Johnson 70hp Water pump question

I Exceeded my 2 years by 6 and need to replace my water pump on the old ’02 70hp Johnson.
1. Any good instruction to help a guy out would be appreciated. Most I’ve talked to say pretty easy.
I am worried I drop the lwr unit and some doodad falls on the floor, leaving me scratching my head.
Do I have to disconnect any linkages? If so, how? That is my main worry.
Thanks in advance

Jon J did a write up on it. I will look for it and post it.

DT

Jon J’s Lower Unit Write Up

DT

I assume the task is basically the same for both makes. I will order a pump kit today if I can. Thanks for the help.

I just looked at it and see the pics are not working. Those are the best part. not sure why they are not there.
DT

with an OMC ( maybe still not OMC?)motor you have a shift rod linkage to disconnect,the bolt is in under carbs on starboard side of motor then the LU will drop down,the rest is very simalar to mercury.
Stan

Quote:

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I just looked at it and see the pics are not working. Those are the best part. not sure why they are not there.
DT

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I would like to see the pics on that post too. IDO staff is there a way we can get that post updated to include the images again???

I know when I replaced an impeller on a 90’s Johnson, I had to pull a pin and disconnect the shift linkage before the lower unit would come apart. The Mercury I did just came apart without having to disconnect the linkage. Not sure if the 02 has that pin or not.

I got through it all without a scratch and saved 1.7 hours of labor @ $125/hr Yes, the linkage is clearly visible just above the fwd sect. of the lwr unit. It’s the first thing to remove. BE ADVISED there is a tube that must be disconnected from the lower unit in the same fwd area AFTER it is separated a few inches. I cut the zip tie and removed the tube from the nipple. Seven bolts, 3 each side and one long bolt accessed by removing the trim fin under the zinc plate. The rest was easy. remove the housing pull out the impeller noting which way its bent and replace exactly the same way. Replace gasket and plate then lower housing and impeller down the shaft, insert new key in keyway tighten bolts. Grease the spline. Put it all back together.