Dropping Lower Unit

[DTS1290]

I am trying to do an impeller replacement on my '73 9.8 HP and cannot get the lower unit to come down more than a quarter inch if even that. Checked and made sure all the bottom bolt is removed and the top one is loosened to let the unit drop but it still doesnt seem to want to slide down. Already broke a chunk of the cavitation plate off, trying not to break anymore.

 

[DTS1290]

Dropping Lower Unit

lets make that two chunks of the cavitation plate now.

 

[Harker]

Re: Dropping Lower Unit

Get some PB Blaster and spray it into the bolt holes and try to get it into the joint in the shift shaft. Grit and critters get in there and make it tough to get apart. You could also make a couple wedges out of 2x4 and start tapping them in from both sides.