Force 5hp lower unit removal

[helmsdown1225]

I've been an outboard owner and amateur mechanic for several years now, most problems on the outboards i've owned i've been able to fix, but this one has got me baffled. Last year my 5hp force stopped sucking water and cooling. It overheated a few times, but gave a valiant effort to get my boat out of the water. I dont have a manual (yet!) and i'm trying to get the lower unit off to replace the impeller. I've removed all the exterior bolts (one forward, and a hidden long one underneath), and disconnected the shift connection at the halfway point down the shaft. I can wiggle the lower unit back and forth, and move it about 3/16" down, but no further. What am I missing? It feels like the driveshaft is still holding everything in place, perhaps it's just stuck and needs some gentle persuasion with a mallet? This engine is on it's last leg and i've been shopping for a new engine as it is, but getting an extra half-season out of this would be great. The SN is "OE105386", if that helps. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[helmsdown1225]

Re: Force 5hp lower unit removal

I can't delete the posting, but I found and "fixed" the problem ::hauls the pile to the garbage:: Oh well, paid 300 for it 8 years ago, so 40 bucks a year isn't bad. Thanks for looking in any case!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 5hp lower unit removal

what was it?<br /><br />Why junk it?<br /><br />You could make a mailbox out of it.

 

[helmsdown1225]

Re: Force 5hp lower unit removal

Haha, i WOULD make a mailbox... except that the plastic hood fell apart years ago and doesn't look as pretty with the fiberglass repairs. The problem was pure corrosion. Despite flushing after every use, I guess the saltwater finally got to it. Basically, as the lower unit finally fell off (it was held in place by a brass collar that the impeller itself rode upon... hindsight on the designer's part i'd say), I found tons and tons of white aluminum sand clogging the waterflow, and big soft hunk of rubber (leftover Impeller) that was burried in more aluminum sand. I think i could actually put it back together if I had the parts available, but i can't find parts anywhere online. It makes more sense to buy a newer more dependable outboard. It's for a Ranger 22 sailboat, so it's a safety matter as well as an auxilary comfort. Thanks!<br />-Eric

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 5hp lower unit removal

happy shopping, and sailing.

 

[coktoastin]

Re: Force 5hp lower unit removal

the mailbox comment...too funny.