1985 Evinrude 6 hp long shaft lower unit removal

Joined
May 31, 2015
Messages
28
Hi All
My son (15) and I are doing some maintenance on our 85 6 hp model E6RLC0B. Ser B100174

Trying to get the lower unit/ extension off. It drops about 1/2" and can't figure out how to disconnect the shift shaft. I've been searching the forums, diagrams, YouTube and they all show a bolt type coupling, which we do not see.
The shaft rotates to change the gear, maybe it just pulls out? Any assistance would be helpful
Thx
Mark
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,465
There is nothing to disconnect on the shift rod itself.----3 bolts ( maybe 5 total on long shaft ) I think and the lower unit slides off.
 
Last edited:

cprodave

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 1, 2012
Messages
301
Newvintageusa, these are great motors that make an excellent father/son learning experience. For an excellent source for DIY info on these and other small HP Evinrude/Johnson motors google "Leeroy's Ramblings".
 

Vic.S

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 4, 2004
Messages
4,719
OK thought that was too easy, didn't want to start yanking on it until we knew for sure.
If its a long shaft model unbolt the extension from the exhaust hosing and remove it with the gear case. Then clean up the drive shaft and remove the extension.

(The shift shaft pulls away with the gearcase There no join and it just slides out from the gubbins at the top)

The reason for this is I have found is that any muck on the drive shaft prevents it sliding through the bush in the extension and if you apply to much brute force the drive shaft will pull from the gearcase and the pump impeller key will wreck the water pump housing.

Fit the extension to the exhaust housing first when rebuilding

( I was lucky I had previously fitted a pump impellor with a plastic key ... only the key suffered.)
 
Joined
May 31, 2015
Messages
28
If its a long shaft model unbolt the extension from the exhaust hosing and remove it with the gear case. Then clean up the drive shaft and remove the extension.

(The shift shaft pulls away with the gearcase There no join and it just slides out from the gubbins at the top)

The reason for this is I have found is that any muck on the drive shaft prevents it sliding through the bush in the extension and if you apply to much brute force the drive shaft will pull from the gearcase and the pump impeller key will wreck the water pump housing.

Fit the extension to the exhaust housing first when rebuilding

( I was lucky I had previously fitted a pump impellor with a plastic key ... only the key suffered.)
Thanks
Yes its a longshaft and we have it split at the extension shown here. I'll try a little light tapping to free it up maybe. He's working on a couple of outboards right now, good to do this time of year.20201203_191102.jpga
 

Vic.S

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 4, 2004
Messages
4,719
Yes we have removed all three and it just drops 1/2" . Its all snugged back up to take force off of whatever is holding it up until we can get back out in the barn.
It maybe that the driveshaft is stuck ( rusted) into the crankshaft but the 85 model has a better seal arrangement at the top than earlier models so should not be rusted in.

If it really wont come free brute force will cause the impellor key to wreck the pump housing so be prepared to replace that
 

Pufferfishtwo

Recruit
Joined
Jun 25, 2021
Messages
3
I have this exact same engine. 1985 Evinrude 6HP long shaft E6RLC0B. I am currently rebuilding the lower unit after decades of no maintenance. Wondering if or how the drive shaft is supposed to come out of the powerhead. I am ready to reinstall the lower unit with a new water pump. Seems like either the driveshaft is not supposed to come out, or it has been corroded in place. Thanks for any tips.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,465
The driveshaft is NOT supposed to stay in the crank.------So make an adapter to use a slide hammer to pull it out.
 

Pufferfishtwo

Recruit
Joined
Jun 25, 2021
Messages
3
Finally got it out on the third version of the tool. B6F79200-23A2-45FD-934C-F5955144A1EE.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • AAE85A89-F4F9-424F-BFD6-EB0F2065A8F2.jpeg
    AAE85A89-F4F9-424F-BFD6-EB0F2065A8F2.jpeg
    893.2 KB · Views: 4
Top