I have a 1996 Johnson 15 hp 4 cycle (model J15FREDR), and two nice new spark
plugs that really want to take up residence in the motor. The top plug is
easy to get to with a spark plug socket. But the bottom plug's within the
"shell" of the motor, and it looks to me like there's no way to get a
straight shot with any sort of wrench. I'm really not in the mood to crack a
plug.

The left side of the shell is held on by star drive fasteners - no big deal,
except that the fuel tank attaches to its connector on that side of the
shell. What sort of nightmares await, in terms of getting that connector
loose so the shell will come off?

If it's a level 8 through 10 nightmare, it's off to the dealer.
Otherwise...maybe.....in the driveway.

you can but a plug socket that has wrenching flats on it. works well on
those.

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
I have a 1996 Johnson 15 hp 4 cycle (model J15FREDR), and two nice new
spark
plugs that really want to take up residence in the motor. The top plug is
easy to get to with a spark plug socket. But the bottom plug's within the
"shell" of the motor, and it looks to me like there's no way to get a
straight shot with any sort of wrench. I'm really not in the mood to crack
a
plug.



Use a spark plug socket that has a hex on the end, you can find them at
Sears, auto supply stores, etc. Place the socket only over the plug and use
an appropriate sized wrench to break the plug loose. Same way for
tightening, but do not get carried away yanking on the wrench.

Bill Grannis
service manager

"Billgran" wrote in message
om...

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...
I have a 1996 Johnson 15 hp 4 cycle (model J15FREDR), and two nice new
spark
plugs that really want to take up residence in the motor. The top plug
is
easy to get to with a spark plug socket. But the bottom plug's within
the
"shell" of the motor, and it looks to me like there's no way to get a
straight shot with any sort of wrench. I'm really not in the mood to
crack
a
plug.



Use a spark plug socket that has a hex on the end, you can find them at
Sears, auto supply stores, etc. Place the socket only over the plug and
use
an appropriate sized wrench to break the plug loose. Same way for
tightening, but do not get carried away yanking on the wrench.

Bill Grannis
service manager


OK...my socket has the flats, but still, the idea makes my stomach feel like
I'm watching someone dangle a baby from an 8th floor balcony. Any insights
on removing the shell?

"Billgran" wrote in message
om...




Use a spark plug socket that has a hex on the end, you can find them
at
Sears, auto supply stores, etc. Place the socket only over the plug
and
use
an appropriate sized wrench to break the plug loose. Same way for
tightening, but do not get carried away yanking on the wrench.

Bill Grannis
service manager


OK...my socket has the flats, but still, the idea makes my stomach feel
like
I'm watching someone dangle a baby from an 8th floor balcony. Any
insights
on removing the shell?




Well, you can wear a white glove and a surgical mask while you put a towel
over the baby's head.

You have to remove all the motor cover screws to separate the shell
halves.
The hidden one is accessed by removing the pee-hole fitting and hose from
the shell, and reaching through the hole with a long extension to remove
the final screw.


What about the fuel line fitting, which is on the same side I need to remove
in order to access the plugs? Bizarre? Straightforward?