1991 Force 15 Impeller change

[Tkch88]

I’m trying to repair the impeller on my ‘91 Force 15. I can’t drop the lower unit. I’ve removed the 4 bolts, and put it in reverse. I can see an Allen head screw on the vertical shift shaft that I believe I need to disconnect. But it’s at about a 45 angle from center, and blocked by some housing structure. Can it be rotated to face “front”? Is there a special tool? Thanks!

 

[jerryjerry05]

Bolts holding it in place.
Up the exhaust snout might be another hidden by grease/oil???
Add a pic of the lower?

 

[Tkch88]

Pictures of my problem. Line up of the Allen head bolt is obstructed by structure.

 

[Sleeper-6]

Try shifting it into forward or reverse to rotate the linkage to where you can access it.. That screw is in the shift linkage, it does need to come out so you can seperate the linkage and drop the lower unit.

 

[Tkch88]

Shifting does make the linkage rotate.

 

[Tkch88]

Excuse me, does NOT make the linkage rotate!

 

[Nordin]

I think that structure is the shock mount lower. I think you can pry it up a bit with a screw driver.
It is made of rubber and should be soft.
Maybe it has slide down a bit because I think it is only pressed in to the midsection casting by the flex in the rubber.
The shifting is made by the shift rod going up and down. No rotating.
I do not know with out checking my factory manual but I know the lager Chrysler/Force like 20, 25, 30Hp and up are pushing the shift rod down when shifting into forward.
Try to shift into forward and the rod should go down, if not shift into reverse and check.

 

[Tkch88]

You’re right, Nordic. It is a rubber mount. Now I just need another pair of hands. Thanks!

 

[Tkch88]

So I got the Allen head bolt out, which of course fell into the lower unit! But she still won’t drop off. Went down a little bit, and I can twist it some, but it seems like something is still holding it. Shock mounts stuck? Should I try and hammer it down? Or is there one more mystery screw.
Thanks!!

 

[jerryjerry05]

Very possible the shaft splines that go into the lower crank have twisted.
Put pressure and hit with a wooden hammer or dead blow or rubber mallet?
Does it go back UP into the motor?

 

[Tkch88]

I have hit fairy hard with a mallet. No luck. I can pivot the lower unit. Hard to pushback up, because of the rubber mounts.
Seems like something's holding it.

 

[jerryjerry05]

IF?? your sure everythings loose??? Then hit harder and in different spots.
Rubber mallet. 2x4 and a 3# hammer.
PB Blaster
Motor standing on it's head, spray PB down the shaft and let set for 24, repeat and stand another 24
That might help get some penetrating oil to the threads.
Also a pair of Vice Grips on the shaft, and tap with a hammer and change positions on the shaft as you tap.

The bent splines is one of the hardest to diagnose and try to fix working on the forum and not being able
to work on myself

 

[Tkch88]

I can close this out. We hit it with a board, and it finally dropped. Seems the seal around the shaft was gripping it. Impeller was literally "gone"! Now, can I get this running again??

Thanks for the help!