Refinishing Outdrive

[further]

Hey guys, took the Outdrive off as part of winterizing this year to check alignment, gimbal, etc. and decided to keep it off and in the garage and attempt to refinish it over winter. One issue I have though before I start the process which I had since acquiring the boat and pulling the Outdrive the first time is that the trim ram rod is seized and won't budge. I have to slide the trim rams off little by little on each side until they're off. The rod on the gimble end is seized on one of the trim rod ends but free in the gimble. The Outdrive end is completely seized and won't budge. I've tried laying the Outdrive down and soaking with pb blaster, tried rubber mallet, etc. just won't budge at all. Any suggestions on what else I can try? Here's a pic.

 

[Lou C]

Put a box end wrench on one nut and a ratchet and socket on the other. Get them good and tight. Then spray PB Blaster in and around the bushing where the rod passes through on both sides. Let it sit for a while. Then put the socket and ratchet on one of the nuts and try tightening it just to get the rod moving in there. When I pull the drive each year that rod is tight but not seized. When you do get it out coat the part that passes through the bushings with OMC triple guard grease.

 

[Mnoverboard]

Maybe tip her on side a bit, soak with some liquid wrench etc, put a thin board over the rod for protection and vibrate with air chisel. Repeat on other side. ??

 

[further]

Fitting for its 20th, my drive gets a makeover.... Ended up finally getting the stupid trim ram out but damaged it unfortunately and had to pick up a new one on ebay. I will be greasing the heck out the new one, that's for sure! Don't think the PO ever removed it.

Here's some pics - certainly not perfect but I'm happy with it, looks a million times better than it did and heck, its mostly under water anyway.