How to get the six screws out on lower unit

[Cyborg Pirate]

Howdy all, trying to get the bottom six screws out on the gear casing of my lower unit (1959 18hp fastwin). The oring on the shift linkage is letting some water in the gears. All I am gonna do is strip the darn things if I keep trying. Any advice?

 

[rolmops]

Re: How to get the six screws out on lower unit

Use a torch to heat them up and try again. Don't over do it.

 

[coolbri70]

Re: How to get the six screws out on lower unit

give the heads a tap with a hammer to break them loose if that don't work the torch is your friend

 

[Cyborg Pirate]

Re: How to get the six screws out on lower unit

Tried the hammer..... Guess I will try and find a torch to borrow....

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: How to get the six screws out on lower unit

Use a hand help impact screwdriver with the proper tip.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: How to get the six screws out on lower unit

Ill give you a secret every good outboard mechanic needs in his arsenal. A hammer actuated impact driver. It is a must have. Spray with penetrating oil, ad use the tool.

Impact-Drive Impact Driver | Toolmonger\

EDIT: Joe beat me to it, but what he said ^^^

 

[F_R]

Re: How to get the six screws out on lower unit

And they both beat me to it. A must-have tool. Those screws will come out so easy you wouldn't believe. They are supposed to be tight so they don't leak around the heads. In fact, you can use that same tool to sock them in tight.

 

[Cyborg Pirate]

Re: How to get the six screws out on lower unit

Thanks boys. Just bought one online. I will give it a whirl. I pressure tested the whole lower unit and only the shift linkage leaks air by it. and only when i touch it. so before I just into it all together. I was hoping maybe I just didn't put the drain plug in tight enough last service. any thoughts? and if I am to open it up and change out that oring on the linkage. Should I mess with the seals? They don't leak anything by them. rather not fix if it aint broke

 

[boobie]

Re: How to get the six screws out on lower unit

As long as you're there do them all and then you're done with it. Pressure and vacuum check when done. But it's up to you.

 

[Cyborg Pirate]

Re: How to get the six screws out on lower unit

will do. thanks guys

 

[HighTrim]

Re: How to get the six screws out on lower unit

You will need new spaghetti seal anyways, might as well just do them and be done with it and get the 20 dollar kit.