Re: 1959 Evinrude 5.5 hp pulling lower unit -HOW?
I just got through putting another impeller on a 5.5hp Johnson of the same year, which is the same motor.
You need to keep in mind to replace the power head seal with a new one, I replaced mine and was lucky enough to find one local for $5. Also keep in mind on how the spring, caps, and O'ring (located right under the power head) go back on the drive shaft (which I didn't do), take them out and put them in a safe place before you drop the lower unit out.
Check the water pump housing for scratches and pitting, if the pump housing does show this you should consider a new water pump repair kit which may look different then your old one due to improvement.
After doing inspection on my water pump housing I found it to be in good shape I just put another impeller in it.
No it is not that hard to pull the power head, while your in the lower unit you might want to check each port and make sure they are opened and not blocked up. Once you get the power head off you have 2 nuts holding the shift rod, undo those nuts and then unbolt the lower unit it should come out.
While putting the impeller back in make sure you get it facing the right direction. When putting the lower unit back on make sure that the pipe on the top of the water pump housing meets with the pipe in the lower unit, don't mess this part up, if you half to take a flash light and make sure the pipe is down in the water pump housing.
Good Luck.
I just got mine running today but I don't have a tank to run it on. As of right now I believe everything is OK and ready to go.