40 merc water pump

[george seguin]

I have a 1996 4 cyl 40 hp merc. (man. start) I dropped the lower unit and replaced the water pump impeller. Now I can't get the lower unit to go back in. I have about a half inch to go, but something is stopping it. The spline on the drive shaft is meshed with the output gear on the motor as I can pull the rope and the prop turns. The water tube is in the nozzle of the pump housing. Could the shift rod be stopping me? Have wiggled the lever, no help..Rumrunner

 

[JB]

Re: 40 merc water pump

Moving to Merc Troubles

 

[Ken G]

Re: 40 merc water pump

It is probably the rod which activates the reverse tilt locks. When I reinstall the lower unit on my older 50 hp Merc I have the motor tilted up and in forward gear. The LU is in forward also. As you line everything up you can turn the prop slightly to align the driveshaft. You may have to wiggle the shift shaft with your fingers to align it. As I raise the LU with one hand I reach up and manually pull the reverse tilt locks down into the engaged position. You have to hold them because they are spring loaded. By engaging the reverse tilt locks you are raising the rod which contacts the reverse lock cam on the shift shaft. The Lower Unit should slide right up. This rod is whats binding up on you. <br /><br />It might be easier with a third hand to assist.

 

[Tom Glandon]

Re: 40 merc water pump

I have a 1996 40 horse mercuty and i put the lower unit back on in nuteral