1958 merc kiekhaefer impellor help

[jwilkey84]

I am trying to get to the impellor on a 58 mercury 45 hp. I have the lower unit off but I cannot get to the impellor. I have a spanner wrench but I cant seem to bust loose the piece get to the impellor. I have used penetrating oil and a little bit of heat from a propane torch but it won't move. Am I missing something. There is a small rectangular hole like a key or something would hold this piece in place, but I don't thing there is anything in it. I just figures the piece of cast aluminum spun out with the spanner wrench but I need help. Thanks, its been giving me fits for a week!!!

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 1958 merc kiekhaefer impellor help

Maybe it's reverse threaded? I dunno.

 

[jwilkey84]

Re: 1958 merc kiekhaefer impellor help

It has an arrow on it that says off and points counterclockwise, so I dont think that is the case

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1958 merc kiekhaefer impellor help

It simply threads out. Well, not so simply in the real world, as the cap and housing are both aluminum and are quite often corroded together. It is regular thread. If it won't thread out, try some more leverage. I've used a flat punch of the same diameter as the holes in the cap. Stick the punch head in a hole in the 9 to 12 o'clock area from where you are standing. Hold the punch vertically against the driveshaft. Place a long, hefty, flat-bladed screwdriver against the left side of the driveshaft and right side of the punch, flush with the pump cap. Use the leverage of the screwdriver handle to undo the cap.

An alternative, if all else fails, is to collapse the cap entirely. New ones are available through www.oldmercs.com. Be sure to use some light grease on the threads when reinstalling it to prevent future issues...
- Scott