Lower Unit removal

[sailor3X7]

I have been out in the boat house this afternoon trying to remove the lower unit from my 1969 Mercruiser. I have just done the first couple of steps. I followed the instructions to this point thatI have received from some of you. I put it in gear, removed the power trim cylinders. Then removed the 6 nuts. I have grabbed behind the prop and pulled up and down, as suggested by some, and it does not show any sign of separation. I am trying to be cautious so I don't cause damage. Any suggestions regarding how to break it loose for removal?<br />Thanks

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Lower Unit removal

Sailor, Here is a link I know will be helpful:<br /> http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm <br />Good luck

 

[sailor3X7]

Re: Lower Unit removal

Blk-n-Blu, Thanks, that is a very helpful site. Actually I have already looked around on there. The information is good, but I don't think it addresses what to do if it won't break loose at the gasket. It is not showing any sign of loosening.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Lower Unit removal

Sailor, When I pull my Pre-Alpha lower unit I usually leave it in neutral, Just have to double check when reassembling, also have you removed the trim tab. These instructions for water pump impeller are better for the pre alphas:<br /> http://www.mercstuff.com/waterpumpinst.htm <br />After all the nuts are removed you might try some PB Blaster or liquid wrench at the joint and a couple of quick blows from a rubber mallett on the skeg. Just make sure the unit doesn,t fall when it does come off.

 

[sailor3X7]

Re: Lower Unit removal

Okay sounds good. I will try either PB Balster or Liquid Wrench. I gave it a couple of blows with a rubber mallet, but not very serious blows. I am probably being over cautious. I do have the outdrive secure. I put two 2X4's under the skeg so it won't drop. Then since the preAlpha has the "ring" at the top of the unit I ran a line through that and up to a block and tackle I attached to the rafters. So hopefully I won't let it fall and get damaged or smash me. Too bad you don't live down the street - you could come over and give me some advice and I would give you some fresh jalapenos from my garden.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Lower Unit removal

Are you Dropping the Lower Unit, or Pulling the Outdrive......<br />The way I read your post, It's pull the Whole Drive.......<br />Either Way, Do it In Forward........<br />The Outdrive only weighs 80lbs.... Heavy, But not Too Bad......<br />1st, Lift the drive up about 3/4s the way up trimmed,+ DROP It..... That'll Usually Break it Out....<br />Or,<br />Hook the trim cylinders back up,+ give it a little Up pressure....<br />This will Also help break it Out.....

 

[sailor3X7]

Re: Lower Unit removal

Bondo, Actually I am pulling the outdrive and then will also remove the lower unit while I have it pulled. I am painfully uneducated in mechanics so I used the wrong terminology. I have started to learn a lot. Last winter I replaced the exhaust tube. When removing the exhaust elbow two of the 4 bolts sheared off. So I had to drill them out rethread etc. I got that accomplished on my own. A mechanic told me I saved myself about $300 - $400 on that job. That felt good. But as I continue to learn more about the outdrive, I start to wonder if I'm biteing off more than I can chew.

 

[sailor3X7]

Re: Lower Unit removal

Bondo, I forgot to mention in last post - Thanks for the further advice on breaking it loose. That's exactly what my question was. I didn't know if I would tear something up by lifting and dropping. I assume you mean lift it and let it literally drop. It's hard for me to make myself do that. It seems like it will break something.<br />However, there has to be a way to get it off and just lifting and lowering it and pulling etc. sure isn't doing anything.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Lower Unit removal

I assume you mean lift it and let it literally drop.

Ayuh,<br />Or Even Pick it Up,+ THROW it to the Down Position..........<br />You might put a small block of wood at the Lowest contact point(down near the exhaust tube).....<br />This will help to Force the Top Out........ <br />

I start to wonder if I'm biteing off more than I can chew.

Nawh..... Not Yet.......<br />We'll all be here to Help out........

 

[sailor3X7]

Re: Lower Unit removal

quote:<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Ayuh,<br />Or Even Pick it Up,+ THROW it to the Down Position..........<br />You might put a small block of wood at the Lowest contact point(down near the exhaust tube).....<br />This will help to Force the Top Out........ <br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Okay, I'll do it. And the block of wood makes a lot of sense to me.<br /><br /><br />Quote:<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Nawh..... Not Yet.......<br />We'll all be here to Help out........ <br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Captain Bondo, thank you. That really means a lot. It makes me feel a lot more confident.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Lower Unit removal

Sailor, Sorry I missed the fact you were pulling the whole drive your initial post mentioned the "lower unit" Good Luck

 

[itstim]

Re: Lower Unit removal

Sailor...did it come off? Listen to Bondo. Lift it and drop it...or throw it back down. If it starts to separate a little you can drive some small wooden (don't pry with any metal) wedges between the units and then drop it again