2001 Salt Water Series - Lower Unit not seperating

[twr7cx]

I have a 2001 Mercury Salt Water Series 115HP:

The lower Unit is not seperating.

I have undone 5 nylock nuts, removed the trim tab and corrosion block to check for any more bolts/nuts (I can't find any). It is refusing to budge at all. I have tried knocking with a rubber mallet with no effect.

I have only recently purchased the boat and motor. I am trying to remove it to replace the water pump. Prior to my ownership the motor has only done 60 hours in freshwater in 10 years. In the last 3 months it's done an additional 20 hours all in sea water.
Is it likely the shaft is rusted to the powerhead?

Ideas?

 

[Randy J]

Re: 2001 Salt Water Series - Lower Unit not seperating

did u take the shift rod loose??

 

[twr7cx]

Re: 2001 Salt Water Series - Lower Unit not seperating

did u take the shift rod loose??

No, can you give me more details on this proceedure?
As far as I was aware this was only on the small motors?

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: 2001 Salt Water Series - Lower Unit not seperating

It's stuck on the dowl pins between the two haves.Using a thin scraper tap it into the seam in the very front and back to wedge it apart.Do not hit the lower unit with a hammer as it WILL crack.

 

[twr7cx]

Re: 2001 Salt Water Series - Lower Unit not seperating

It's stuck on the dowl pins between the two haves.Using a thin scraper tap it into the seam in the very front and back to wedge it apart.Do not hit the lower unit with a hammer as it WILL crack.

Nothing seems to be able to penetrate through the seam where the lower unit meats the shaft. Scrapers, blades, etc. all start to bend a bit.

 

[ruder]

Re: 2001 Salt Water Series - Lower Unit not seperating

Did you remove the nut or bolt under the trim tab?

 

[twr7cx]

Re: 2001 Salt Water Series - Lower Unit not seperating

Did you remove the nut or bolt under the trim tab?

If you look at the last picture in my original post it shows where the trim tab was. There is no nut or bolt there to be removed.
I have removed 4 nuts and a bolt from elsewhere though.

 

[ruder]

Re: 2001 Salt Water Series - Lower Unit not seperating

I have had the drive shaft rusted to the crankshaft before on older motors where the dr shaft was steel yours should be stainless, but maybe your shift shaft is frzen to the aplines due to salt water.
the alinment pins are a major problem at times, salt water is a bad culprit.maybe heat would help.