Lower Unit Screw is stuck

jjones1012

Cadet
Joined
Nov 20, 2009
Messages
14
I have a Mercury 1984 60 hp and trying to change the lower unit oil and I have found that the bottom screw is stuck. Anybody got any suggestions on how to get it out. I tried taking the top one out to hopefully get the vacuum seal out, but it still will not budge.
 

DuckOfDeath

Seaman
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
70
Re: Lower Unit Screw is stuck

I second the impact screwdriver suggestion. I battled mine for 30 minutes with no luck. Got an impact screwdriver and it was out in 3 seconds.
 

jjones1012

Cadet
Joined
Nov 20, 2009
Messages
14
Re: Lower Unit Screw is stuck

Thanks for the input everybody. I tried the impact screwdriver and still did not have much luck. I did find a small ratchet bit set made by Diebold and sold at Lowes for $10. It had a 1/2 bit and a wrench that the bits fit in. This worked perfectly as it gave me a better angle and better torque. It came right and now I have changed the oil and everything is good.

Thanks again.
 

j_martin

Admiral
Joined
Sep 22, 2006
Messages
7,474
Re: Lower Unit Screw is stuck

Thanks for the input everybody. I tried the impact screwdriver and still did not have much luck. I did find a small ratchet bit set made by Diebold and sold at Lowes for $10. It had a 1/2 bit and a wrench that the bits fit in. This worked perfectly as it gave me a better angle and better torque. It came right and now I have changed the oil and everything is good.

Thanks again.

I have a short heavy screwdriver with a properly ground end, and a cursing wrench to turn it.

When I replace them, I put in one with an allen head, and use a high quality allen wrench to remove and install it.

Be sure to use fresh gaskets each time.

John
 

jackd1023

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 15, 2006
Messages
269
Re: Lower Unit Screw is stuck

I have a short heavy screwdriver with a properly ground end, and a cursing wrench to turn it.

When I replace them, I put in one with an allen head, and use a high quality allen wrench to remove and install it.

Be sure to use fresh gaskets each time.

John

NOTICE: Gaskets not O-rings.
 

RaScLeS

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 27, 2009
Messages
230
Re: Lower Unit Screw is stuck

NOTICE: Gaskets not O-rings.


my screws dont have any gaskets.....looks like just some blue thread lock, no leaks or anything. where do i get a gasket? local place or what
 

will941s

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 1, 2007
Messages
540
Re: Lower Unit Screw is stuck

Most Autoparts stores sell them. The are tons of things on cars that require those little screw gaskets. Take the vent screw in there, since you've already filled the lower unit and have them to fit the right gasket to it. Buy serveral of them for the future, most of them are like 5 or 10 cents a gasket, and far less than buying them from somewhere else. Same exact material though so you don't have to worry about water intrusion.
 
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