1987 35HP Merc - Lower Unit Trouble

[Stefan Schmitt]

I've done the search of other threads on stuck lower units on the board and have tried almost everything there. So far, I haven't been able to remove my lower unit. I believe the crankshaft is married/oxidized at the spline and is cause of this grief.<br /><br />My question is: Is it possible to release the crankshaft up in the engine block/flywheel (???) and just let the whole thing drop through?

 

[KCLOST]

Re: 1987 35HP Merc - Lower Unit Trouble

No!<br /><br />If you've tried everything up to this point, the best way to go is to remove the powerhead (or slightly pull it up). But you're gonna need a hoist of some kind to lift it up, new gasket, etc. And this still may not be the cause of your problem...<br />Are you sure you have removed all of the bolts. Did you remove the trim tab bolt?

 

[quantumleap]

Re: 1987 35HP Merc - Lower Unit Trouble

If you are sure you have all the bolts off, it should drop with some force. Have you gotten it to move at all, or is it still tight at the joint? I had to get pretty agressive with the rubber mallet to get mine to 'unstuck'! Also is this a fresh or saltwater motor?

 

[Stefan Schmitt]

Re: 1987 35HP Merc - Lower Unit Trouble

I got it off! Hooray! Lots of pounding on wooden shims and it finally came off! It was somewhat corroded on the drive shaft and that's where it was stuck. <br /><br />Sure did take some violence though...broke one of the little exhaust slits on the casing. No problem..it's cosmetic anyways.