lower unit froze on shaft???

[baxtr]

This is more a lower unit problem so I am posting on all brand forums, looking for some good tips.

My brother in law got this boat from his dad, who owned it since around 1984 or so.

Here comes the issue:

1976 55 hp Evinrude

Neither one of them has ever, yes I said ever, changed the impeller or the gear lube. so for at least 23 yrs, both have never been touched. I tried to help him get the lower off, does not budge. It's loose, but won't disconnect, got al bolts out, got the shift rod bolt out, can spin it a bit back and forth , but won't come loose. After that many years is it possible that the driveshaft is corroded together? any suggestions? or is this going to be a job for a mechanic.

It's too bad, cuz I have been in this boat, it is immaculate, starts and runs great (except for no water flow this season).

Here is the ironic part, His dad, the previous owner, Retired from Evinrude. He is so Anal about taking care of things. Everytime he would put the boat in the water, he would sand down any bad spots on the trailer and repaint it. but says he never once did the impeller or gear lube. Unfortunately, he must not have ever read the manual.



Does anyone have any ideas, even crazy ones, on how to loosen up and drop this lower? Anything goes at this point, the thing doesn't spit water at all now, so it wouldn't last 5 minutes on the water.


any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[F_R]

Re: lower unit froze on shaft???

Do I read this right, the gearcase is loose and will move around but not come down? That would indicate that you haven't missed any bolts. There is a large rubber seal around the exhaust tube and a small rubber seal around the water tube. You may have to use some scientific force to break the rubber free. It that isn't it, yes the shaft splines are rusted/froze. That isn't too likely on a motor that has never been apart. That happens beause somebody had it apart and didn't replace the o-ring on the shaft that keeps grease in and water out. Even so, it is not real common on that particular motor becaust the shaft is isolated from the exhaust and hot water discharge.

 

[baxtr]

Re: lower unit froze on shaft???

yup, you read correct, it does move around, no bolts left in it. it has dropped 1/8 inch but that is it. and unless the original buyer opened it, it has never been cracked open (unfortunately) I wil keep trying

 

[steelespike]

Re: lower unit froze on shaft???

That motor is kind of big but::
I have heard some secure the motor by the gearcase upside down with lots of padding or some way to catch the power head rotate the flywheel and or the prop gently use some soft wedges to apply a little pressure.
Sometimes the weight of the powerhead is enough to get her loose.

 

[JB]

Re: lower unit froze on shaft???

You have posted this question everywhere except the ONE correct forum, Baxtr. At least I didn't see it in the Johnson & Evinrude Outboard Troubles/Repair forum. You have an Evinrude with a trouble. That is the only place your trouble post belongs.

Multiple postings of the same question are not welcome, postings in the wrong forum are not welcome.

Please post your trouble in the correct forum.

Thanks for your cooperation.