Johnson/Evinrude Marine engines - Replacing a water pump on 85 hp Johnson

My son bought a boat with an 85 hp Johnson outboard motor on it. He is trying to replace the wa..

My son bought a boat with an 85 hp Johnson outboard motor on it. He is trying to replace the water pump but is having trouble getting to it.
Is there any way we can get info on this particular engine? He thinks he was told that it is an '83 but is not sure. It is a seahorse and we were given the following information, but not sure if it's correct! model # J8SMCCSA serial # J5309382 Can you help us? Thanks!! Sue.

Hi Saphaye, I think your number is not wuite right I think it should read j85mlcsa this does not affect the yr of manufacture though which is 1980, you can see the parts schematics for this engine via http://www.crowleymarine.com and goto the parts catalogue and navigate your way to your engine.

Thanks for your answer, but that does't really help me..I looked at the diagrams on the website you suggested. Here's the problem.. we can't get the upper unit apart from the lower unit. We need to know where the screws or other attachments are in order to seperate the two parts so they can get into access the water pump.

I didnt think they would solve your problem it is as intimated a parts schematic for the engine which is useful if you know where you are looking,
I am guessing that they have managed to get the gearbox to drop a little but cant get it all the way down, I will start at the geabox, undo all the bolts around the gearbox, then undo the bolt holding the trim tab (fin) there is another bolt under there, once undone they then need to go near the carbs on the engine where the gear shift cable comes in from the control box there is an arm which goes under the carbs at the end of the arm is a bolt this bolt (no:66 in picture) needs to be removed to release the gear shift rod.
The gearbox will then lower to gain access to the shift release.

Thanks! How easily accessible is the bolt that releases the gear shift rod (#66)

Its easier with the carbs removed but that is another job in itself, it can be accessed with an extension bar and a socket if the carbs stay on but is a bit more fiddly.