Re: older evinrude waterpump problem
Your outboard may be older than you think. The last year OMC made a 7.5hp was 1958. They picked up making that hp in 1980 and continued to '83. Post your model number and we can check your date and model for sure.<br /><br />If it is the '50s 7.5hp, then it's not that hard. The only annoying part is you'll have to remove the powerhead (engine) so you can access the link between the gearshift lever and the shift rod. The shift rod is part of the lower unit, so you must disconnect it to remove the lower unit. The waterpump sits on top of the lower unit.<br /><br />Grab yourself a manual for doing this job; there's a bunch of other things you've got to be aware of that I'm not letting on about (like what the lower crankshaft seal on the powerhead is supposed to look like). Should be no problem getting parts, etc. The only thing you'll need that most don't is a powerhead base gasket so you can put your powerhead back on.<br /><br />One last thing - there's a couple things that are totally unique to outboards. The first is that you will probably need to deal with stuck fasteners. Ones that are stuck beyond the wildest dreams of automotive mechanics. There's lots of good advice on dealing with them here. Just search for "stuck bolt".<br />The other is that most parts of an outboard are almost always covered with gasoline. Follow the recommended sealants explicitly, and leave the silicone by the car.<br /><br />Oh, and there's no special tools you need at all, as long as all the screws come out easily.
<br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />EDIT: They did make 5hp and 6hp engines through the 60's and 70's.
