lower unit carrier removal

[monk-monk]

Alright folks, i got a late '60's early '70's LU off an L6 outboard and can't get that bearing carrier assembly out of there! The unit is locked-up (prop shaft and drive shaft). I removed the threaded locking ring that holds the carrier in place, then i made a thick shim from metal plates and a 4x4 put that down over the prop shaft and then put the prop nut back on the prop shaft (remember, it's locked) and tightened the prop nut until i was blue in the face! I tried tapping the housing with a rubber mallet with pressure applied to maybe dislodge it, but this booger just won't budge. I also tried heating the housing, not a lot, but i did apply some heat to see if that would help. Any suggestions or insight would be much appreciated.

 

[emckelvy]

Re: lower unit carrier removal

The whole works might be locked-up inside. You'll probably need lots of heat to get things loose. Just be careful not to melt the gearcase! A MAPP torch such as the home kits they sell at Home Depot is plenty hot for this, but shouldn't put out so much heat that it'll melt the alum.

Was this lower unit full of water and rusted-up, or was it a mechanical failure that caused the lockup?

If it's rusted inside, it might help to fill it with clean oil and let it soak for a week or so.

I'd suggest penetrating oil or something stronger, but it'd be quite flammable and then if you heat again with a torch, it could go off like a bomb! Not so likely to do this with regular oil.

If you do fill with oil, drain the gearcase before heating again.

HTH & G'luck..........ed

 

[monk-monk]

Re: lower unit carrier removal

Thanks emckelvy, This LU came with the 1962 Merc 700 i just bought for $50, it was not installed and i really don't know what happened to it or if it even fits that motor. i cant spin the motor nor the drive shaft so i can't tell if it fits or not till i get the DS out and put it up in the motor. If i have a matching lower unit then i will move on to the motor to see what it looks like internally (rebuilable or not). Part it out or rebuild it, one og the two!!