Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

[ledgefinder]

I have a 1975 OMC 115hp V4. The outer propshaft seal looked iffy, so I thought I'd replace it - now I suspect I've ruined the LU. I can't get the bearing carrier out. I removed the 4 bolts, put the puller on it - no dice. Tried heating it until I took some of the paint off - didn't budge. Tried banging on the puller with a hammer until I stripped one of the hole's threads (BTW, next size tap - 3/8 works real well to rethread). <br /><br />Just wondering whether I should give up yet. Do they "always come out" if you keep at it, or is it common to have some that are just stuck. The case has seen some salt, but isn't corroded. There is a ding (flat spot) on the side.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

Bearing carriers can be a buster to remove. Several suggestions. First, have you leak tested the LU and/or is there water in the oil? If not, leave it alone. Second, I think the prop shaft seals can be replaced w/o removing the bearing carrier (wish I knew that 5 years ago ... I had one that needed a custom built puller, heat and a lot of patience to get out ... salt can really make it hard.) Search the iboats database for specifics, but I think there's a special seal removal tool. A driver can be fabricated of tubing or pipe to seat the new seals. Good luck.

 

[ob]

Re: Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

ledgefinder ,If you've applied heat until the paint burned off, you'll need to continue with removal as it is likely you have cooked the carrier "O"rings as well.If there is as you mention a dinged flat spot on the side of exhaust barrel,.. that could definately pose a problem with removal.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

How much heat is enough? I have one of those hardware-store MAPP & oxygen units(two bottles the size of a propane torch bottle), not a full-sized oxy/acetlyene set. I'm guessing I'm just not getting enough heat. A minute after I turn the torch off, I can put my hand on the LU over the carrier - I'd guess it's 200 degrees at that time. I am nowhere near seeing any color from the metal.

 

[almost retired again]

Re: Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

Hi Ledgefinder;<br />OMC made a pair of special legs that fits their flywheel puller. These legs are very stout, so I don't think you will be able to break them. With these you can apply a lot more pressure than is possible with the bolt holes. You may be able to leave a deposit and borrow them from a dealer. If not it would be a lot cheaper to buy the puller rig than a new gear case.<br />Good Luck

 

[Mufasa]

Re: Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

Ledgefinder,<br /><br /> I have had some that did not come apart! I cut the case in half to salvage the parts. That most likly is a hydo-mechanical lower unit with some very expensive parts in it. Locating a complete lower unit from a blown or overheated motor would be an option.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

almost retired again, that special puller sounds very much like the one I made from an old trailer drawbar, 1/2" all thread, and some very thick steel lugs (which hooked under the bearing carrier webs). I had to put a bunch of force on the prop shaft and some heat on the rear area of the gear case, before I got any movement. I think the heat being applied at the same time the puller was tight did the trick.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

OK...more heat, bigger hammer

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

I would suggest caution with how much heat ... I used just a propane torch and didn't burn any paint off. You just want to get the aluminum warmer than the SS inside. Even heat around the whole rear of the LU is where you want it.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

Have you drained the oil out of the gearcase? If not it may be absorbing a good amount of the heat.

 

[Bobby D.]

Re: Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

Hi Ledge, Be careful applying too much to the LU, aluminum does not change colors when heated.<br />If it gets too hot it will just collapse. Then you can keep the steel parts and throw the LU housing away.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

OK thanks for the accurate feedback on how much heat is enough. If you can get it warm enough just spraying it with a propane torch for 5 minutes, then I for sure have enough heat with the oxy/MAPP. Time to just pull harder. BTW, the force reacts against the forward thrust bearings - anybody worry about pushing them too hard & getting flat spots?

 

[clanton]

Re: Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

There is 2 places that the bearing housing contacts the gear case, the area where the 4 retaining bolts are and the area where the puller arms are contacted. Keep heating these 2 areas both side of gearcase, let cool, reheat, keep pressure on puller. keep your cool, it will come off.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

Got it, so this is in case others get stuck.<br /><br />Clanton's advice on heating it, letting it cool, heating it, cool, etc. seemed to work. Sometimes used the oxy/MAPP, sometimes just propane, just taking it easy not cooking it, on about the 8th time over 3 days out she came.<br /><br />I stripped the stock 5/16 holes right away, found that once they're stripped a 3/8 NC coarse tap is just about a perfect fit. It's just a hair tight, so you're getting reasonably deep, strong threads. The thicker bolts help keep the puller from flopping to one side, also.<br /><br />The old carrier was white with corrosion on both flanges, but it came out. Thanks folks!

 

[clanton]

Re: Bearing carrier stuck OMC V4 - what to do?

Now when you reinstall the bearing carrier, give the flanges a good coat of Johnson/Evinrude gasket sealer or the Permatex sealer that has a brush attatched to the cap on the can.