1998 9.9 merc powerhead removal

[fireman57]

OMC guy here but nephew brought his 9.9 merc that he has abused and the powerhead gasket is gone. There is literally one bolt holding it in and he has it propped up with corks. Just looking at it it looks like I need to drop the lower unit. Should not be a big deal as the shift linkage is on the outside (wish omc did that). Question is what is the easiest way to change this. Don't mind dropping the lower unit as he said he doesn't know when the impeller has been changed and he has had it 20 years so that will get done. Just looks like there is no way to get bolts in with the "brace" that holds the engine up in the way. Looked at schematics from marine engine dot com but doesn't really help me. Thanks in advance.

 

[flyingscott]

Shift linkage needs to be disconnected behind the carb. The open part has the tilt lock piece on it. You need to loosen the tilt piece on the rod and slide it off as the lower unit drops. Make sure the lower unit is good becore you stick any money in it.

 

[fireman57]

I am glad you came over from the Johnson forum. See you there all the time. I say that the engine is a 1998 because that is what he told me. There is no tag on the engine for a model number. The shift linkage appears to be outside the lower unit halfway down with a block and bolt setup.

 

[flyingscott]

Look up y our serial # because I do remember there being 2 different shift shafts. 1 is a 2 piece unit and the other is a 1 piece.

 

[fireman57]

It is a 1995. Serial number 0G235017. It will be at least Monday or Tuesday before I can start on it so hang loose, I am sure I will have questions!

 

[racerone]

Simple shift disconnect is near / under the carburetor.-----Reverse lock is visible halfway down.

 

[fireman57]

I guess the reverse lock is what I am seeing then. If I can disconnect the shift linkage behind the carb then I don't need to drop the lower unit to pull the powerhead. I am not a fan of the schematics that I can find on this engine. I will just have to start tearing into it to see how to get the bolts and studs out.

 

[fireman57]

Finally got to this yesterday. Piece of cake. Done in an hour. love the way the shifter disconnects. Lot easier than OMC.