Dropping the Lower Unit/Waterpump 1987 85HP Force

[fishthebay]

Hello Everyone:<br /><br />I am not a super mechanic, but did want to attempt to replace my waterpump on my 1987 85HP Force Outboard over the weekend. I do have the manual, but did have a few questions.<br /><br />After reading the manual on how to drop the lower unit it said the following.<br /><br />-Remove the Cotter Pin on the front of the lower unit that hold the shifter. (I did that)<br /><br />-Remove the exhaust snout 2 bolts and mark the position of the snout. (no picture in the maunual.)<br /><br />My trouble was here.<br /><br />I removed the outside bolt and then tried to locate the inside bolt, but it was really hard to see. After a few attempts I gave up, but still have some questions.<br /><br />-Does the inside bolt of the snout need to be removed?<br /><br />-After the snout bolts are removed is the only other thing holding the lower unit in place just 6 bolts?<br /><br />*My theory was to put a hydrolic jack under the unit and after all the bolts were removed to lower it very slowly so it wouldn't drop to the ground.<br /><br />-Is this the correct way? I don't know how heavy the unit is, but had my girlfriend on standby.<br /><br />-Also, what gear should the motor be in when dropping the unit? The manual didn't specify, but did say not to rotate the flywheel counterclock wise while reinstalling the unit.<br /><br />I will post some questions on how to replace the waterpump after I get the lower unit off.<br /><br />Any help would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks...

 

[Walker]

Re: Dropping the Lower Unit/Waterpump 1987 85HP Force

That L/U probably weighs in the neighborhood of #50 maybe less. Yess that bolt under the exhaust snout needs to come out. You can drop the L/U in ant gear. When you hook the linkage back up it will be in the right gear. I pull L/U's with the motor tilted all the way up. Its easier for me to handles them at that angle.

 

[fishthebay]

Re: Dropping the Lower Unit/Waterpump 1987 85HP Force

Thanks for the tip. Do you know what size socket the exhaust snout takes for the inside bolt?

 

[cinder1995]

Re: Dropping the Lower Unit/Waterpump 1987 85HP Force

I just replaced the water pump on my Force. I believe the bolt inside the snout uses an allen wrench instead of a hex wrench. And it doesn't matter what gear the boat's when removing the lower unit. Have your wife be ready to catch the drive shaft, it falls out when removing the lower. Be careful not to lose the ring and boot that's on the top end of the shaft.

 

[fishthebay]

Re: Dropping the Lower Unit/Waterpump 1987 85HP Force

Thanks for the all the help. I was able to get the lower unit off last night without any problem.<br /><br />Also, I was able to remove the 4 bolts that hold the waterpump housing and slide the housing and impeller off the driveshaft.<br /><br />I am going to get replacement parts today.<br /><br />I did however notice that the driveshaft has bits of pitted rust on it.<br /><br />The housing slid over this, but should I clean the pits?<br /><br />What about a light sanding, or just leave it alone?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for anyones suggestions...

 

[fishthebay]

Re: Dropping the Lower Unit/Waterpump 1987 85HP Force

Forgot to mention.<br /><br />What were you referring to about the ring and boot on top of the shaft? <br /><br />I didn't see that, just the shaft teeth on top of the driveshaft.

 

[Bluefish]

Re: Dropping the Lower Unit/Waterpump 1987 85HP Force

You can clean the drive shaft and than coat it with marine grade grease make sure to coat the spine. (teeth at top)

 

[fishthebay]

Re: Dropping the Lower Unit/Waterpump 1987 85HP Force

Bluefish - Thanks for the reply.<br /><br />Are you referring to a light sanding like I mentioned?<br /><br />What other ways are good to clean the shaft if sanding isn't recommended.<br /><br />Thanks for all the help.

 

[Bluefish]

Re: Dropping the Lower Unit/Waterpump 1987 85HP Force

Depanes how bad rust is you can even wire brush it stainless steal wire brush and if you have time paint and than grease.

 

[cinder1995]

Re: Dropping the Lower Unit/Waterpump 1987 85HP Force

The ring and the boot slip on to the top of the driveshaft where it connects to the powerhead. I thought yours had one. Though I could be wrong.