96 Force 120 Can't drop lower unit

[matbas]

I have tried unsuccessfully to drop my lower unit twice. I recently purchased this boat and I want to change the impellor.<br /><br />I removed four nuts, two on each side. I also removed a nut in the back between the anodes.<br />The shift connection appears to be splined, so I did not do anything with it.<br /><br />With all five nuts removed, the lower unit does not drop or show any signs of being loose at all. Are there any more nuts holding this together or any suggestions?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Matt

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: 96 Force 120 Can't drop lower unit

When I had a similar poblem, I placed a medium-sized, wide and flat screwdriver in the proper crack and started whacking away with my trusty rubber mallet . It took some effort, but eventually the lower unit began to separate. Be careful though, place some cushion under it, because once it begins to drop, it may drop fast.

 

[discover]

Re: 96 Force 120 Can't drop lower unit

Some engines have extra mounting screws that are hidden...

 

[scottnjay]

Re: 96 Force 120 Can't drop lower unit

I am not sure if there is much difference between the 97 and 96, but my 97 took some work with a rubber mallet. I started on the back of the lower unit until I could get a screwdriver in and then I slowly pried it open and lightly used the rubber mallet. It took alot of work, but it finally came apart. Good luck.

 

[matbas]

Re: 96 Force 120 Can't drop lower unit

Thanks for the ideas. I have tried the rubber mallet already. I was hoping that I missed removing nuts somewhere, but I suppose that would have been too easy of a solution.<br /><br />Matt

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 96 Force 120 Can't drop lower unit

It sounds like the last time it was taken off the person did not use anti sieze compound. If this is the case good luck getting it off. If you do make sure you get some anti sieze. It is pretty cheap stuff and goes a long way.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 96 Force 120 Can't drop lower unit

should only have the 5 screws on that lower unit