1993 Force 40 - gearbox problem

[wolfie-uk]

hi again folks, well after sorting out my Chrysler 75 skier, I have started on my Force 40.

Problem :

lower gearbox housing cracked and let the oil out and the water in - No problem, I have a replacement lower housing. BUT after removing the two nuts that hold it onto the "upper" gearbox housing with the cavitation plate, it will not move, looks like damp salt is rammed all around the long rod that goes down into the lower section, SO what is the best method you have used in the past to dissolve this salt like substance round a bolt / stud,

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1993 Force 40 - gearbox problem

If you are describing the long stud that goes through the midsection and holds the front of the gearbox on then, good luck charlie! Typically, this part of the aluminum case corrodes and almost welds the stud in. you can not dissolve it. If you have time, you can try soaking it in penetrating oil but really, that rarely works.

You need to heat the case and bang the h*ll out of the stud. In stubborn cases, it just will not move. You may end up mushrooming the top of the stud and then it will never come out. So at first, have a nut protecting them or use a brass drift on top.

I have done this before and I don't envy you. It is not a pleasant job.

Once you do get the case apart, clean the hole well and slather both it and the stud with anti-seize or goop it up with plenty of black RTV silicone before reassembling it.

 

[wolfie-uk]

Re: 1993 Force 40 - gearbox problem

good luck charlie!

Hi Frank, yes its the long stud down the front side of the gearbox, so far managed to persuade it about 1/2 inch, using a brass drift, did not really want to apply heat as the paintwork is like new on this engine, but guess i'll have to, have already tried the old boiling water poured down the hole and it shifted some, just think i'll let it soak for a few days to see if it does loosen up a bit.

BTW names Neal

 

[wolfie-uk]

Re: 1993 Force 40 - gearbox problem

quick update,

after managing to get the stud down 1/2 inch, attacked the stud going into the lower gear case housing with a very thin cutting blade in grinder which left the 1/2 inch sticking out the mid section, then more persuasion driving the stud back through the way it came and it gave up knowing it had been beaten into submission..................

Now more bad news, stripped gears out of housing to find the main drive sprocket is missing two teeth, time to start searching for a new drive sprocket, do iboats sell them ?, if so will have to get one sent over here.