83 115 Merc H2O pump replacement

[Nickledimed]

Hi yall...Im back
Now that I got the motor running, I thought it would be a good idea to rebuild the water pump, since I dont know the history of the motor and the parts are dirt cheap I figured I would give this a shot.
I got my manual in the mail today and was looking through it and was studying how to remove the LU.
I believe this is an eE-Z Shift LU becouse when I put the shifter in reverse the prop will only turn about 30deg either way.
I dont see any problems getting it off and swapping out the parts.
My question is, how hard is this to get back on?
It seems that youve got to stand on one foot, flap your arms like a chicken and whistle dixy to get it back in....
Is there any tricks, warnings I should know about?
Or should I just bite the bullet and pay someone to do it?
Is it any harder than doing a break job?
Any advice is welcome.
Im a 20 yr machinist so Im pretty mech inclined.

 

[nativetexantim73]

Re: 83 115 Merc H2O pump replacement

You need two people when putting the lower unit back on. You have to line up the water pump filler tube, the shift linkage, and make sure there is no grease on the end of the drive shaft. When sliding the drive shaft into the engine, have one person wiggle the fly wheel back and forth to line the splines back up on the end of the drive shaft to the engine.

 

[bullbat]

Re: 83 115 Merc H2O pump replacement

pretty easy job but u need 2 people to make it easier and just dont force nothing

 

[Nickledimed]

Re: 83 115 Merc H2O pump replacement

Gatcha...thanks

 

[Nickledimed]

Re: 83 115 Merc H2O pump replacement

How long should this take?
Can I complete it after work on an afternoon? or should I alot one saturday to do it?

 

[nativetexantim73]

Re: 83 115 Merc H2O pump replacement

yeah no prob to do. First time, take it slow and learn your boat. Should take about a hour and a half to two hours. After that you should be able to do it in about 30 to 45 mins.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 83 115 Merc H2O pump replacement

Rebuild of the waterpump is fairly simple. It only takes one person and an hour or so. Put the motor into neutral and tilt it all the way up and lock it. Now remove the lower unit bolts. There is one bolt hidden under the zinc anode. You need to remove the anode to get to it.

Put the gearcase into a holder or vise, if you can find something suitable. clean any rust off the driveshaft with emerycoth. Remove rubber slinger on the driveshaft and the nuts on the waterpump cover. Your motor may have a selftapping screw on the rear of the waterpump cover. Remove the cover, impeller and wearplate. Save the cover and impeller key. Inspect the cover and insert for wear. Replace if necessary.

Install new gaskets on each side of the new wearplate. Place it on the pump base. Install the new impeller and key over the driveshaft. Lubricate the stainless waterpump cover insert with some oil. Drop the waterpump cover over the drivshaft and turn the driveshaft clockwise while pushing down on the waterpump cover. The impeller will now be installed into the cover. Install the cover nuts and slinger. Install the white plastic water tube extension over a new rubber seal.

Grease the splines on the driveshaft and shift shaft. Shove the driveshaft into the midsection and push it up as far as it will go, while inserting the copper water tube into the white plastic extension tube. Turn the flywheel by hand until the driveshaft splines line up. After that, you need to line up the shift shafts. Usually a needle nose plier can be used to line them up. After they mate push the gearcase up and wiggle it into place. Do not force it by using the nuts to pull it tight, unless you are absolutely sure it is lined up.