frozen water pump base

[tonypalpac]

This is on a mercury 65 h.p., early 80's.I took off the lower unit after finding some water in the gearcase lube. I want to replace the water pump housing, got down to the water pump base and it seems to be locked down. I've tried finesse but it really seems suck. There is a flush plug on this model and the manual mentions something about inserting a screw and tightening until the base lifts off its mate with the lower unit, but I'm not really sure what this means. Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated. Thanks

 

[OBJ]

Re: frozen water pump base

Hi TDP<br /><br />Remove the flush plug. Make sure the impeller is out and work the housing lose. I have a special screw driver with about 1/4 inch of the tip bent at a 90 degree angle for just such occasions. There is an o'ring at the bottom of the pump housing which seals the oil in. Sometimes these can be a pain. Stick with it. It will come free. Good Luck.....