Getting Mercruiser outdrive off ?

[labzman3]

I have an 1985 starcraft, with a gm 120 hp. engine, and what I think is an Mercruiser alpha outdrive, my clymer books says it's an I-MR ? The serial number is A49***6. I have pulled both trim cylinders, put it in forward gear, removed the 6 nuts,and have wiggled it free about a half inch, but it will not come out any farther. It feels like it is hanging up in the drive shaft area ! Any ideas, as to what I might be doing wrong ? I want to put a new water pump in and grease the u-joints,, etc!

 

[Trent]

Re: Getting Mercruiser outdrive off ?

First off if its a MR it will have an "A" stamped on the end of the propshaft. <br /><br />Couple of ways to help you remove it. You can put a piece of wood between the drive and the gimble housing and then lower the drive. The trim cylinders need to be connected to do this. This usually lets the drive come out. You also can lower the trailor and pickup the drive by hand and drop it. This jars it loose most of the time. Good luck.

 

[bernieb]

Re: Getting Mercruiser outdrive off ?

You can also try tapered wood shims.The drive shaft is corroded to gimble bearing probably and you might try removing grease fitting for that gimble bearing on right side close to transom and shoot some "pb"blaster through the fine stem to soak the bearing.You might even try the "come along" being careful .

 

[labzman3]

Re: Getting Mercruiser outdrive off ?

Thanks everyone for the suggestions !! I lowered the trailer tongue,,wiggled and cussed ! Finally took a chunk of wood and raised the whole unit up, like it was being trailered,put the wood between drive and gimble housing, and then pushed agaisnt the prop,, it almost mashed my toes, when it popped loose !!! I guess mine is an "alpha" drive,, as there's a large A stamped in the prop shaft! Thanks again !!!

 

[mercrewser]

Re: Getting Mercruiser outdrive off ?

No, its an MR according to Trent. Check your engine alignment. Rear engine mounts are probably rotted binding up shaft.