Please help, cannot get lower unit off a '77 6HP

[merc20076]

Purchased a 1977 Evinrude 6 HP for a hundred buck, the motor didnt run for a while but have several things to ajust and since I want to learn more in outboard mechanics this is the best way buying cheap. Of course it has sparks on both cylinders recent Powerpack too. It has 85 PSI on both cylinders without any de-carb job yet.

Now, I wanted to check the impeller in the lower unit before starting it in a barrel. I take off the 4 bolts under the cavitation plate and it comes down only half inch down, something is blocking it down. What I my not doing right? Seems like it's the shift rod blocking it...

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Please help, cannot get lower unit off a '77 6HP

Yes, you have to disconnect the shift rod. I'm unfamiliar with that engine but I'd think there'd be a little oval cover on the midsection under which will be the shift rod connnector. Be sure the groove in the shift rod is aligned with the hole in the connector when reassembling or you will wipe off the bolt threads when you tighten the bolt.
Hope this helps,
JBJ

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Please help, cannot get lower unit off a '77 6HP

That 1/2" is about all you get...
You then need to get a screwdriver in through that gap and loosen the screw on the shift rod coupler.

 

[F_R]

Re: Please help, cannot get lower unit off a '77 6HP

Whoa, there is more to it than that.

1. Shift to forward gear. You may have to rotate the propeller to shift it.
2. Remove the spark plugs
3. Rotate the flywheel slowly till the lower unit will drop down a bit more. There is a pin in the drive shaft that has to come down through a slot. DO NOT turn the flywheel again till you have everything reassembled.
4. Now look in the gap and you will see the shift rod connector. Completely remove the lower screw.
5. Now you can remove the lower unit. Look at the position of the pin so you can put it in the same position for reassembly. Remember, it has to back up through that slot.
6. You do not have to remove the pin to service the water pump. Simply pull the shaft out of the gearcase, once the pump housing is off.

 

[merc20076]

Re: Please help, cannot get lower unit off a '77 6HP

Thanks guys, worked again on it this afternoon after work and I had no problems! I called some places to find out if they have the impeller in stock but mostly of them have to order them so i'll get one here on Iboat. The current impeller on it is getting thin on edges but it still pumps lots of water and the motor is not hot on the head near the spark plugs. Motor runs great but it might need a carb kit, the slow speed is a little rough and dies but I got it to run better playing with the needle valves.

Interesting outboards old OMC's !