Reinstall the lower unit after waterpump installation on 1977. 85Hp Evinrude

John Drew98

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How difficult is it to re-connect the lower unit on 1977 85hp Evinrude after replacing the waterpump? I have replaced one on a 9.9 Mercury and had issues getting it to line back up.
 

John Drew98

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No, I am waiting on the lower unit kit.l The connecting rod linkage is perhaps the most challanging it appears.
 

racerone

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No it is not.----Find the bolt ( item 52 ) with the 5/8 " head.------Starboard side beside the carburetor.---------You need a 5/8 open end wrench to loosen that bolt to split those arms.----Then the pin is out of the top of the shift rod.--
 

John Drew98

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I am still trying to find the linkage screw. The manual shows it on the starter side but I think it is on the side with the shift lever and gas linkage. It a 1977 85HP. but can't see any screw. Looking back about 3 inches.
 

racerone

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As clearly stated.-----If your motor is a 1977 model 85 HP,----You should be looking for a screw that has a 5/8" hex head.----Found on the starboard side beside the lower carburetor.--It screws into the intake manifold.-----It holds 2 arms together !------Or post pictures of that area to see what YOUR motor has.
 

pointblank1000

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I just changed the impellor on my 8 hp and as I reassembled the lower unit I rotated the flywheel slightly and it slide in perfectly. Not sure if that helps but worth considering maybe.
 

John Drew98

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The rocker arm moves up and down when I go from forward to backward on the shift knob. Looks like I will have to remove the throttle cables to get a better view. If it is at the end of the rocker arm, it will be difficult to get to without removing the carb.
 

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racerone

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??---You are now on the right path.-------But why make assumptions.------You do not have to remove the carburetor.----This job is EASY.
 

John Drew98

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Is the the shift rod bolt? There was a dirt dobbers home on top of it.
 

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racerone

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Sorry-----I clearly stated that you need loosen that 5/8 hex head bolt to separate those 2 arms !!----So follow the simple instructions.-------When you are done you will say ----" that was easy "
 

Mohawkmtrs

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Just for clarity, it's the horizontal bolt just above the one you're pointing to.

As Racer says, use a 5/8" wrench.
 

John Drew98

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Thanks for your hep. My kit just arrived. What gasket sealant should I use? Will one type of sealant do all? Any other small tips which will make the installation easier?
 

oldboat1

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I use Permatex #2 (80015) for cooling system applications, and OMC gasket sealer for fuel or water gaskets. I don't know what your manual calls for, though -- whether and where sealant should be applied. Whatever you choose should be non-permanent/removable.
 

John Drew98

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I removed the 5 bolts from the lower unit and the 5/8 bolt at the top. Now it doesn't wand to release. I can move it back and forth at the back about 2-3 inches and up and down about 1" . I can turn the prop and hear the waterpump turn. Is there anything else which would be holding it? Should I put wooden wedges in between and try to seperate.
 

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oldboat1

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Take the screwdriver out, and see if the gearcase moves at all when you operate the shift lever (don't force it). Need to be sure the mechanism is disconnected. Other than that, the driveshaft may be stubborn at the powerhead -- hopefully not seriously stuck.
 

John Drew98

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I have the spark plugs out and the flywheel turns easily. The prop is in reverse and has resistance when I turn it but does not turn the flywheel indicating that the unit is disconnected form the powerhead. l am going to get some longer lower unit bolts, because of the gap now need about 1 inch longer, and try to close the gap and perhaps the movement back up will loosen it up. Since it has dropped about 2" (gap) would that be enough to disconnect the water line. I put in a wooden wedge and tapped it in but it did nothing to help the situation.
 
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John Drew98

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I looked at the shift rod and it is not disconnected. I remove the 5/8" bolt and the connection dropped down out of sight. Now to try to get it back up and put the 5/8" bolt back in.Or raise it enough to get the pin out.
 

racerone

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It was clearly stated.------You have to spread those arms to get the pin out --!!
 
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