This lower unit is REALLY stuck! Help

[AtlDawg]

I have an 85 Johnson 140 and trying to get the lower unit off. I took out 4 side bolts, recessed bolt in front of trim tab and bolt under trim tab. I removed the screw on the shift linkage under the carbs and still can't get it off. It's loose on the rear side (prop end) but seems tight at the front. I do have a little corrosion on some bolts and wonder if the drive shaft splines ever stick? How much pressure do I put on the thing?

 

[ob]

Re: This lower unit is REALLY stuck! Help

The driveshaft is likely what has you in a bind lowering the unit.Keep trying some coaxing by lifting the unit up and down in an attempt to break loose any scale that is keeping the splines from drifting free.You could also reinstall a couple of bolts loosely(one on each side) and carefully rap on the unit with a piece of wood to free it.Just make sure that you apply the shock at the point of where the unit will not drop or you'll just create more bind.Becareful not to hit on the extreme edge of the anti-ventilation plate to prevent breakage.The bolts being installed loosely will keep the unit from suddenly dropping and once you get it to move at all you should be able to continue coaxing it until it is completely free.Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

[AtlDawg]

Re: This lower unit is REALLY stuck! Help

Thanks OB, I figured it might be the drive shaft. I'll give all that a try.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: This lower unit is REALLY stuck! Help

You might also attach the bolts loosely, start up the motor with the muffs on and shift from forward to reverse a few times and see if that jolts it loose. Make sure the bolts are run up close to being tight, but loose enough to let the driveshaft move around a bit. Also, try some wood wedges in the seam to try to force it down. Don't be shy with them. Give them firm whacks with a hammer. Start at the rear with light pressure and work your way to the front to open the gap up and hopefully it will come loose.

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: This lower unit is REALLY stuck! Help

There is a fifth bolt under the trim skag take it off and you will see it.

 

[AtlDawg]

Re: This lower unit is REALLY stuck! Help

OK, I have it seperated about 1/4 inch. It's obviously the drive shaft and I have pulled, twisted, yanked and tapped on it and it still will not let go. All the bolts are out b/c I can twist the lower a little although I don't go too far or I figure the shift rod will bend. <br />What do you professional guys do when you get one like this?

 

[OBJ]

Re: This lower unit is REALLY stuck! Help

Usually, the pros start using harsh language.<br /><br />Hold the flywheel so it don't turn. If you can get hold of the driveshaft, work it back and forth to losen it up in the cranshaft. If you can't get hold of the driveshaft, get the gear case in gear and twist the prop a little. The idea is to work the driveshaft without turning the flywheel.

 

[AtlDawg]

Re: This lower unit is REALLY stuck! Help

Way ahead of you there. I used harsh language all day yesterday. I'm off to give it another attempt and I'll try your flywheel trick. Thanks for the advice...