sterndrive removal for impeller

[1980Galaxy]

I am trying to replace the water impeller and housing in the outdrive but i ran into a problem. i took the 6 bolts off and also the 2 trim arms that are connected to the drive. i also had it in forward gear. the drive is a little loose but i can't get it apart.

i believe i am doing it correctly but maybe i missing something.

also, i noticed a smaller "cover" i guess on the top of the outdrive (right in the middle above those 6 bolts). it is on there with 4 'star-shaped' bolts that i didnt have the sockets to take off. whats inside there? could that be where the impeller is?

by the way i have a 1980 galaxy with a mercruiser 120 engine. forgot to get the s/n off the outdrive. all i know is that its a mercruiser.

thanks for your help.

 

[dubs283]

Re: sterndrive removal for impeller

you are on the right track. if the drive as moving away from the bell housing you have diconnected everything correctly.

it is probably stuck due to a lack of maintenance of the engine coupler i.e. not being greased for a long time.

place a short 2x4 in between the front edge of the top cap (where the star shaped bolts are) and the gimbal ring.

grab the back end of the drive and move upwards wedging the 2x4 in between the top cap and gimbal ring.

use force and the drive should slid off

you arent going to break anything.

the water pump is mounted on the top of the lower half of the drive, you will need to separate the drive when you get it off to service the water pump.

be sure to replace the water pump base assembly too, it is sold seperatly from the water pump kit.

 

[Matty8251]

Re: sterndrive removal for impeller

If you are trying to remove the stern drive and have all the boalts holding it on and the trim arms are off, then you need to put a 2x4 on a angle at the top of the drive then manualy tilt the drive up the get the stern drive to seperate from the gimble housing. After that I am no help I have a OMC stern drive and the removal is the same but the water impeller is on the outside of the drive so it can be changed without removal of the drive. The top cap you are talking about is the top of the gearcase. You should not have to remove that. If you do you will see the pinon gears that come in the drive.

 

[Matty8251]

Re: sterndrive removal for impeller

Sorry we must have been typing at the same time

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: sterndrive removal for impeller

thanks for replying so quickly. im glad i had it right and will give it a shot next time i have a chance. thanks for the help.

also, i am assuming i will need a new gasket for where the drive separates from the boat, correct? and also what other gaskets or orings or anything else would i need to get so i am prepared when i get this thing off?

 

[dubs283]

Re: sterndrive removal for impeller

drive to bell housing gasket set.

check engine alignment

GREASE ENGINE COUPLER!!! quicksilver engine coupler spline grease (blue)

grease u-joints and gimbal bearing

check condition of bellows

pressure test drive after re-assembly

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: sterndrive removal for impeller

one more thing: does the gear lube need to be drained before doing this or can i leave it in there? i just changed it and dont want to waste it if i dont have to. i also dont want to make a mess if its gonna go all over when i take it off.

thanks

 

[dubs283]

Re: sterndrive removal for impeller

must drain gear lube

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: sterndrive removal for impeller

wow, that was so fast i almost feel like this is a chat room haha. thanks for all your help

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: sterndrive removal for impeller

You do have the manual, Right?

 

[fishingman220]

Re: sterndrive removal for impeller

if the drive is off, can you put some grease into the coupler inside the splines, or do you have to pump through the fitting inside the engine compartment? sorry to jump on your thread but i figured you would wnt to know as well.

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: sterndrive removal for impeller

no i do not have a manual