Force 50 Impeller Change - Stuck

[Brian_in_Waterford]

I'm in the midst of changing the impeller on my 1985 Force 50 motor, but I haven't gotten too far. I've removed the four bolts that secure the lower unit, but the lower unit has only dropped about 1/4" away from the main body of the motor. The gap between the lower unit and main body is so small that I don't have enough room to get a wrench of any kind on the jamb nut that connects the upper and lower shift rods.

I've sprayed the rod and shaft with WD-40 in an attempt to free things up, and I've tried both verbal and physical persuasion. I'm afraid to persuade the lower unit too much as I don't want to damage the shift rod or the shaft.

Any suggestions? I've never changed my impeller before (I've just "inherited" this boat and am attempting to bring it back to life) and I was led to believe the impeller change was a relatively easy, cheap, and very necessary repair. Am I missing something?

Also - assuming I can get the d*mn thing apart, I'd appreciate any tips regarding re-assembly, especially of the shift rod.

Thanks.

 

[sho3boater]

Re: Force 50 Impeller Change - Stuck

You might be able to move the shifter, or disconnect the linkage at the motor and get more travel in it if in fact that is the place it comes apart. I did my 85hp and it could be different (1983) but I don't recall having any issue with it. the hard part was the shaft splines had no taper on them, and there is a plate right at the crank. It was a....well I had to hit the crank perfect to get it back in. Then it had a seal, and every time you miss it that plate pulled the seal off. I did a lot of them and that one was a pain.