Cant get blasted lower unit off.

[JACK-NJ]

I have a 1988 Evinrude 225 that is in need of some new seals and a new waterpump (most likely) I have it in reverse and have removed all the lower unit bolts. I have also removed the shift rod retaining bolt at the power head and it is free. What the heck is holding it on? the unit moves back and forth but wont release. I dont want to put alot of pressure on it for fear of breaking something. Any ideas out there? JACK-NJ

 

[12Footer]

Re: Cant get blasted lower unit off.

Glad to hear you're not forcing it

<br /><br />Sorry, I never werked on one of those, but get the shop manual. It should still be in print.<br />Some of the newer johnnyrudes I've seen have a screw on the front of the skeg,at the very bottom. I noticed it was removed on a removed lower unit.But you might want to get the book. <br /><br /><br />------------------<br />I'm no expert, but I DID sleep at a Holiday Inn last night!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Cant get blasted lower unit off.

Does it move back and forth or up and down? How far? Describe the shift rod retaining bolt you took out.

 

[JACK-NJ]

Re: Cant get blasted lower unit off.

Dhadley and 12 footer,<br />I have the shop manual for this motor and I am certain every bolt is out.....maybe there is just alot of dried gunk holding the driveshaft fast. The shift rod makes a 45 degree bend just as it enters the powerhead shroud and immediately above the steering pivot tube. This shift rod enters a "two angle clamp" one side clamps to the shift rod and the other clamps to the shift linkage arm. The former clamp screw has been removed and the shift rod appears to be free.<br />What gives? -Jack<br />PS I'm no expert but I did read the shop manual.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Cant get blasted lower unit off.

Jeez,Jack..This is SCAREY!<br />I still commend you on not forcing it.<br />Becuase whatever is holding it is holding-onto something else. I wish I could help you, but I'm at a loss

<br /><br /><br />------------------<br />I'm no expert, but I DID sleep at a Holiday Inn last night!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Cant get blasted lower unit off.

Is the shift rod retaing bolt you took out a standard 1/4 20 bolt with a 7/16 head or something else?<br />Does the gearcase move up and down or side to side?

 

[RPruitt]

Re: Cant get blasted lower unit off.

Does anyone know what the answer was for this ?? I have the same problem on a Johnson 1988 225. All bolts have been removed, including shift rod bolt.

 

[clanton]

Re: Cant get blasted lower unit off.

There is 7 bolts to remove for the gear case, one of these holds the trim tab on, which has to be removed. One poster said gearcase not removed 6 years, in this case, driveshaft may be stuck to the crankshaft.

 

[RPruitt]

Re: Cant get blasted lower unit off.

If the driveshaft is stuck, is there a good way to remove ?