Can't remove Mercruiser outdrive

[Infinite Monkeys]

Hello,
I just joined this site. I'm trying to remove the outdrive from a 1980 Mercruiser 470. I know the tranny has to be in forward, but the outdrive only comes out about an inch and gets stuck on something. Any thoughs would be greatly appreciated. The shifter cable is frayed where it goes in the the drive, but is still connected. I just replaced the water pump and made sure the lower shift shaft was in forward and put it back on.

This is my first boat and it should be about a year long project to get it going.
Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Can't remove Mercruiser outdrive

Drop the lower unit first, then being in forward isn't necessary. Once you get the lower off, remove the upper.

 

[Infinite Monkeys]

Re: Can't remove Mercruiser outdrive

Thanks Don S.

I just tried it with the lower unit off. Still did not work.

 

[Don S]

Re: Can't remove Mercruiser outdrive

Did you back the drive off easily that first inch, or was it pry it out and if you let off the pry bars it went back in.?

 

[Infinite Monkeys]

Re: Can't remove Mercruiser outdrive

It came out easily. I did not try to pry it and risk damage to mounting surface. It does not pop back in after being pulled out a little.
Thanks again.

 

[Infinite Monkeys]

Re: Can't remove Mercruiser outdrive

Hi Don S.

I got it. Seems it needed more persuading than I realised. I also shifted the shift lever back and forth a few times before trying it again. Don't know if that did any good or not, but it's out.

Thanks for you help.