lower unit blues 78 115

[77_starcraft]

I fought the lower unit off last night, what a pain! all the bolts were severely corroded, I used a 2' extension pipe on them. the unit would not drop out (shifter free), so I read some threads about rusted crank to shafts, jeez.....
can't get the rear bolt out of it's hole.

finally got it off to find more problems. broke off a screw on the pump housing. drive shaft is rusted, had to sand it a little to get housing up and off. Impeller is frozen to the shaft....

The drive shaft is rusted and pitted where the seals ride (or maybe its between, or both). I plan on keeping this boat for only about 4-5 more years, as it is a little small and underpowered. I'm broke so a new lower unit or driveshaft are not really options (nor do I want to disassemble the whole thing). I am ordering all the seals (no kit for 1978) and going to just slap it back together, I guess.

Can I coat the bolts with motor oil (Aluminum threads) or it there something better?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: lower unit blues 78 115

Anti seize,The only way to go with aluminum threads.Some manuals say to use some sealant on the threads,the kind in the can with the brush to apply it...

 

[HighTrim]

Re: lower unit blues 78 115

OMC Gasket sealing compound, that is what I use on the bolts for the impeller housing for example.

 

[77_starcraft]

Re: lower unit blues 78 115

Upon further inspection the pump cover is not usable, so I need pretty much all pump related items. I read that the cover/seals were updated after 1978.

Can I buy a kit for the 79-up motors and use it? I already have a key way type impeller (79-up drive shaft have a flat spot?). Is that the only difference? The BRP site is down right now, are there other sites that have good diagrams?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: lower unit blues 78 115

If you go into your Johnny/Rude dealer armed with your model number , they will be able to quickly get the water pump kit that you need. If you want to order it online, check here on iboats, they will carry what you need.