need help with removing lower unit -88 40hp

[engine391]

I have removed all 5 bolts (this includes the one under the trim tab) and unbolted the shift linkage. Does anyone know what could be causing it not to drop? It has only dropped about a 1/4 of an inch. I half think it is just the driveshaft stuck because it has not been removed for a long time, but I dont want to go beating on it and break something that I should have removed. If anyone can help please respond!! Thanks for any assistance you can give!

 

[maj_hazard]

Re: need help with removing lower unit -88 40hp

I went through the same issue with my 86 40HP.. I ended up turning the motor upside down (take care to support it) and then sprayed penetrating oil onto the drive shaft and waited for it to make it's way down the shaft to the splines. A little wiggling and a few choice words and I finally got it apart.

Be very careful as you can easily bend the drive shaft. When prying the housings apart make sure to place something between the metal of the casing and the contact point of what ever your using as a pry bar. I used 1/8 plywood to protect the housing.

Cheers

Mike

 

[Al-53]

Re: need help with removing lower unit -88 40hp

I had problems removing some lower ends that were stuck...I went to Home Depot and bought some of the plastic wedges they use for cutting trees...one on each side and tap in easy....if the shaft is really rusted you may have to revert to upside down and spray PB Blaster (something like that) in there..stuff works super...


but the wedges are nice to have...

Al

 

[tphoyt]

Re: need help with removing lower unit -88 40hp

Wedges are the way to go. Put them in as many places as you can and slowly tap them in evenily and it should pop. Use a water proof grease on the sides of the spline only not on the top or you may get a hydrulic lock when putting it back in.

Good luck

 

[engine391]

Re: need help with removing lower unit -88 40hp

Thanks all.....I finally got it to drop after slowely prying all around the case. It was the driveshaft that was stuck. Got the impellar replaced and everything put back together. Thanks again for the help!