can't seem to get gear case off of lower end

[shindig888]

Hi guys, dustin cobb webs off the old 1991 50hp force and need to resolve water in the gear case problem from last season.., I loosened the two nuts (one near water pump, and the one near the gear) and can only get the lower case to split at the rear and not at the front! what am i missing? I don't want to bust anything. I hammered on the "stud" but the case seam wont split at front..? any advice? the shift rod is still in place and bearing cap is off. so far the seals seem pretty good. the output (prop) shaft does have a groove from the seal. not too bad though. Id like to inspect the gasket btween the mid and gearcase and see if thats where the leak is. help would be great!

 

[roscoe]

Re: can't seem to get gear case off of lower end

You can't separate the halves without dropping the lower unit and removing the prop shaft bearing carrier.<br /><br />Drop the lower unit,<br />remove water pump, <br />remove upper shift shaft, <br />pull out drive shaft, <br />remove the prop shaft bearing carrier and remove the nut inside there, <br />remove the nut on the top - just in front of the shift shaft.<br /><br />Then you can separate the gearcase halves.

 

[shindig888]

Re: can't seem to get gear case off of lower end

Hi roscoe. Yeh Im with ya, but now when i try separate the two they wont budge at the front where I assume there is a long stud.. short "stud end will open a bit . I put some wd40 on for the night. it hasnt drained down yet so i think the "stud" is corroded in... your thoughts?

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: can't seem to get gear case off of lower end

have you taken of the trim tab?

 

[roscoe]

Re: can't seem to get gear case off of lower end

So you have the nuts off, but you can't lift the top half off the front stud.<br /><br />PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench will work a little better than WD40.<br /><br />You can try to hold the top half in a vice or clamp, and drive the front stud down with a hammer and punch. Be careful not to damage the top of the stud. Perhaps put the nut back on to protect the top of the stud.<br /><br />Once you get it started, you can use a wooden wedge to separate the two.

 

[shindig888]

Re: can't seem to get gear case off of lower end

Thats i where I am now. the wd didnt soak in and I hammered on the stud already. will take to work tmorrow and try something more solid I guess. .. As for the water coming in, I guess it could be any of the 7 seals at this point, But the shaft seals seem ok.. prob. original though... oil plug seals seem fine too. Last season the boat was trailered, except for one week it stayed in the salt water.. It had new oil in it, then after that week it had some water in it. Should have pressure tested it..duh