How do I get my powerhead off?

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ZmOz

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Trying to take the powerhead off my '74 Mercury 1500 today. Can't quite figure out how. What's holding it on? I got off all the cowling, and took off the bolts under the little peice that says "150HP", but nothing came loose after I removed them...
 
H

hokey1

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Feb 6, 2004
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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

lower end has to be removed,shift linkage disconnected
 
Z

ZmOz

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

Alright, how do I get that off then? :)
 
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hokey1

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

If memory serves correct 5 bolts hold lower end 4 can be seen the 5th is behind trim tab then lower end is ready, may have to use rubber hammer to help it along
 
Clams Canino

Clams Canino

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

The lower unit and shift linkage does *not* have to come off to pull that powerhead.<br /><br />There are 8 bolts holding it on - the 6 under that collar and 2 more up nearer the front close to the swivel stuff. They are 1/2 height nuts.<br /><br />You do have to remove the throttle and shift cable and leave the shift linkage disconnected from the throttle rail.<br /><br />Once it's all disconnected and the 8 bolts are off, you may have to rock it a little side to side to break the base gasket free. Some of them can be tough. Cover the leg once it's off to keep stuff from getting in there.<br /><br />-W
 
E

emckelvy

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Jan 16, 2004
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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

It's not necessary to remove the lower unit on a Merc inline in order to pull the powerhead, although it might make it a bit less cumbersome. DO NOT attempt to muscle the powerhead off, it needs to be pulled straight up and is heavy enough that you may hurt yourself unless you have several strong friends helping. I used to do it by myself in my younger days, but it's also a good way to screw up your back; all it takes is one slip and you've ruined yourself, your motor, or both.<br /><br />Either a come-along or engine hoist will make your job a lot easier. Applying tension to the powerhead while attempting to break it loose from the gasket makes a big diff. If you don't have a lifting eye to screw into the flywheel, rig the powerhead up with strong rope, so it will pull up as evenly as possible.<br /><br />Getting back to the removal, did you get the (2) nuts on the front studs? These are shorter studs at the very front of each side of the motor. Once these nuts are loosened, and all the other ones on each side/back, you should be able to <gently> pry up on one or the other stud to help break the powerhead loose. Note that usually you can't remove the nuts on the (2) front studs until the powerhead has lifted up a bit. You'll also want to, upon reassembly, to position those (2) nuts first before the powerhead is pulled down tight.<br /><br />If it won't move, you may have some of the longer motor studs frozen in the center section. Each of these studs, once you have removed the nut, should make a 'ting' sound if you tap on them smartly, and should move a bit, side-to-side, when gently pried on with the flat of a screwdriver. If the stud sounds 'flat' when you tap it, and won't move, it's salted-up or frozen.<br /><br />Try application of heat on the offending stud while prying at the front studs.<br /><br />Be sure that you have all the powerhead wires, hoses, cowling supports, etc disconnected. This also includes the shifter arm, which bolts up to the sliding piece in the control cable mounting bracket on the port side of the motor. It's necessary to disconnect/remove the throttle cable first to gain access to the shift arm. Just remove the 1/4-28 nut and top piece, and leave the rest there. When you reinstall the powerhead, be mindful of the position of the shift arm and you can easily guide it back into the slotted bracket.<br /><br />By all means, if you're going to be fixing your powerhead, replace the impeller, too. Pulling the lower unit does make it easier to reinstall the powerhead, as you're not worrying about engaging the driveshaft.<br /><br />HTH and Good Luck.........ed
 
Z

ZmOz

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

Alright, anyone know what size the two nuts in the back are? 9/16 is too big, 1/2 is too small. 14mm is too big, 13mm is too small. :mad: I've already started to round one of them off... :rolleyes:
 
Z

ZmOz

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

Alright, I finally got them. Is there any reason I can't replace them with regular nuts? The powerhead is nice and loose now, I'll have to wait until tomarrow to get some more people to help me wrestle it off...
 
Clams Canino

Clams Canino

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

A taller nut won't fit in there. And that's the front. :D <br /><br />You can do it with two guys one on each side. Make sure the spark plugs are out, you lay it on that side for surgery.<br /><br />-W
 
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Hooty

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

Have you got a manual yet. <br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty
 
Z

ZmOz

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

Originally posted by Hooty:<br />Have you got a manual yet. <br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty
Click to expand...
I've got an old one from the 70's, says "All models through 1974", although there are about 3 pages on the 1500. :rolleyes:
 
Clams Canino

Clams Canino

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

All the info for all the post '69 inlines applies to the 1500. They are all the same.<br /><br />-W
 
Z

ZmOz

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

Originally posted by Clams Canino:<br />All the info for all the post '69 inlines applies to the 1500. They are all the same.<br /><br />-W
Click to expand...
Actually it's the 6 cylinders that only get 3 pages, the 1500 only gets 1! :rolleyes:
 
M

mellowyellow

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

I highly reccomend u bite the bullet and fork out<br />$50 and get the factory merc manual. you'll be<br />glad you did!
 
Z

ZmOz

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

Alright, 3 large men couldn't get it off. :) Guess I'll have to find an engine hoist...
 
Clams Canino

Clams Canino

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

Originally posted by ZmOz:<br />Alright, 3 large men couldn't get it off. :) Guess I'll have to find an engine hoist...
Click to expand...
Are you sure it's all disconnected and can rock side to side a little?<br /><br />Only other thing it can be is the long studs kinda getting caught in the holes. I've never seen one that me and another guy couldn't get off by rockimg it a bit while lifting up hard.<br /><br />-W
 
Clams Canino

Clams Canino

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

Cod forgive me, I can't help myself....<br /><br />"How do I get my powerhead off?"<br /><br />Hook it up with a cute little lower unit. :D <br /><br /><no applause, please>
 
Z

ZmOz

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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

Originally posted by Clams Canino:<br />
Originally posted by ZmOz:<br />Alright, 3 large men couldn't get it off. :) Guess I'll have to find an engine hoist...
Click to expand...
Are you sure it's all disconnected and can rock side to side a little?<br /><br />Only other thing it can be is the long studs kinda getting caught in the holes. I've never seen one that me and another guy couldn't get off by rockimg it a bit while lifting up hard.<br /><br />-W
Click to expand...
Yep...it moves back and forth nice and easy. Wasn't hard at all to break the 30 year old gasket. I think I'm going to build a little fram out of 2x6's over it to hoist it out...that will make it easier to get back in too.
 
R

Reel Precision

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Feb 4, 2004
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Re: How do I get my powerhead off?

Lets hope the drive shaft from lower unit is not froze or corroded into the bottom of crank. I have seen this and that can get ugly.
 
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