Dropping lower unit, 97 120hp force

[fidnee]

hello,<br /> new to board, looks great. Looked back on previous posts and got some good info, need a little more. I want to change impeller on my 97 120 hp force, bolts are off, I have SELOC manual, but is not specific for my boat, looking back at posts says the linkage has to be disconnected,does this linkage have to be marked to be put back in the same? i see where the linkage is. but unsure what to disconnect. can someone elaborate a little more, is it just one bolt on the linkage under the motor cover, also the impeller repair kit I have comes with new gaskets and O rings, when I put this back together, is there anything I should do besides using loc tite on all the bolts, thanks for the help.<br /> dave

 

[scotiany]

Re: Dropping lower unit, 97 120hp force

I got a Chrysler so, I don't know the specifics of your motor. When I took my LU off, I took pictures of everything before and during. If yours is like the Chrysler, there should be 2 rods connected by a turnbuckle with a jam nut. You will probably have to remove the motor leg covers also. Just be very careful when reinstalling that the water tube is aligned.

 

[fidnee]

Re: Dropping lower unit, 97 120hp force

well, going on day 4 with no avail. I have called mechanics , seloc marine, and friends, to no avail, unit is down about a inch. I have seen other posts with same problem, thier results were the gear linkage, I dont know where to disconnect mine any more help??

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Dropping lower unit, 97 120hp force

I have a chrysler but I found this thread in a search force lower unit <br />Hope it helps

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: Dropping lower unit, 97 120hp force

A Clymer manual might give you more info on that specific subject.

 

[cinder1995]

Re: Dropping lower unit, 97 120hp force

I'm not exactly sure what your's looks like, but on my '91 120 it has a small cotter pin that connects the shift linkage. The motor has a little cut out in the back of the lower where you can see it.

 

[seldont]

Re: Dropping lower unit, 97 120hp force

On my 95 model 120 which should be the same as yours and has the Merc lower unit there are four bolts (actually lock nuts) which face downward just over the anti-ventilation plate. Then there is one more which is in a little recess just over the prop and in front of the trim tab. Remove these and your lower unit should slide right out. The shift linkage is a rotating splined shaft which does not need to be taken apart as it will just slide apart as you remove the lower unit. Some say to put it in forward gear before removing but I have always left mine in neutral. Also when you go to reinstall I have found it easier to remove my spark plugs so I can rotate the engine slightly to help align the splines on top of the driveshaft into the bottom of the crankshaft on the engine. Anyway after you remove it the water pump is right on top of the lower unit at the bottom of the driveshaft. Remove the four or five capscrews and there it is the little star looking thingy. Slide it off and the new one on and make sure the keyway is aligned in the impeller correctly and then reassemble in reverse order. Sorry so long winded but hope I covered everything........Seldon

 

[seldont]

Re: Dropping lower unit, 97 120hp force

By the way if it is just hanging and you have all FIVE bolts out a little gentle persuasion with a plastic deadblow hammer on top of the trim tab bolt should help you out. Mine was stubborn the firs time. Make sure all FIVE bolts are out first though.

 

[fidnee]

Re: Dropping lower unit, 97 120hp force

seldont,<br /> well thanks for the info. I actually went to the mercury board and found someone with the same problem, and someone responded with the same info you did, and thats what I did, a little persuasion and it came off, thanks for the help, I have another question, but I will post it seperatley.<br /> dave