Lower unit does not want to come off

[griggsmars]

I am having several problems with my 1994 Force 120 hp outboard and could use more advice. I already have a thread up about my motor not having any spark then the steering cable is frozen and now the lower unit does not want to come off. I will keep torching the steering cable and hope it comes loose. I'll concentrate on lower unit for now and I have attached photos. My first thought is, are all the bolts out? There are 4 bolts on the sides of the unit and one just in front of the trim tab, not sure if there are any others. I'm not sure how the shifter rod comes loose on this model either. I am also concerned that maybe the driveshaft is frozen in there ? Then, do you put the shifter in forward or leave it in neutral when trying to remove the unit? Sorry for all the questions, but I keep moving backwards everyday. Thank you, Griggsmars

 

[ThomW]

I am having several problems with my 1994 Force 120 hp outboard and could use more advice. I already have a thread up about my motor not having any spark then the steering cable is frozen and now the lower unit does not want to come off. I will keep torching the steering cable and hope it comes loose. I'll concentrate on lower unit for now and I have attached photos. My first thought is, are all the bolts out? There are 4 bolts on the sides of the unit and one just in front of the trim tab, not sure if there are any others. I'm not sure how the shifter rod comes loose on this model either. I am also concerned that maybe the driveshaft is frozen in there ? Then, do you put the shifter in forward or leave it in neutral when trying to remove the unit? Sorry for all the questions, but I keep moving backwards everyday. Thank you, Griggsmars

First, I think you forgot the pictures.

On that motor I believe you need to remove the actual trim tab that is right above the prop. There will be a bolt up under it. That may be the missing bolt holding it up. Then you have the 4 others you mentioned.

I would recommend having it in forward gear when you separate the lower, although some say neutral is fine. Just make sure lower is still in forward when you go to put it back together. In Forward gear you can turn the prop slightly when installing to get splines lined up. I think the shift shaft should just slide apart on that motor and nothing needs to be disconnected.

 

[griggsmars]

I've seen that bolt on you tube videos but on my motor, there is no bolt under the trim tab. Thank you

 

[jerryjerry05]

I see the pics of the motor. That's NOT a 94 more like a 96-99 with the Mercury lower unit.
If there's no screw under the trim fin then there are 5 nuts holding the drive on .
Look up inside?
If it drops any? then don't come down. The splines might be twisted and holding the drive in place.

 

[griggsmars]

That would explain a lot of things if the motor is not a 1994. I could not find any label with year or serial # and just assumed that since the boat was a 1994 that the engine would also be a 1994. That may also be my problem with the electric- I ordered parts for a 1994. The lower unit does not budge no gap at all. Thank you

 

[jerryjerry05]

IF???? there's no gap??? then you missed a nut somewhere???
I'm guessing the middle of the drive a deep hole with a nut way up inside????
Take a pic(might need 2-3 of the bottom side of the cavitation plate showing the screw holes with the fin removed.