Upper Housing and Gear Housing Stuck Together

[wyoben]

I'm tring to seperate the Upper housing from the lower Housing on my "new" Mercruiser R drive, I'm sure I got all the bolts out, Don't want to pry to hard on cavitation plate, what am I missing?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Upper Housing and Gear Housing Stuck Together

There'll be a nut on a stud on the front, one on each side a few inches back, two above the prop under the antiventilation plate, and one that's hidden by the trim tab at the back. That's a total of 5 5/8" nuts, plus the allen bolt or 9/16" hex screw or nut hidden by the tab. If it's never been apart, paint kinda glues the halves together a bit. The screw that holds the tab on could have an allen head, 7/16" 12-point, or 1/2" hex head.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Upper Housing and Gear Housing Stuck Together

There are 7 things to undo before you can pry it apart.Make sure you get them all.Nut on front by the shift arm. 2 nuts a few inches to the side of the front(1 on each side set into the cav plates) 1 inset allen key head bolt holding on the zinc skeg, 1 bolt head under the zinc skeg,2 inset nuts near the bolt under the zinc skeg.If all are removed and it wont come apart,take a screwdriver and scrape it along the lip where the upper and lower meet.Do this all around taking off the paint.there will be an area that you can fit the flat head screwdriver ,tap it lightly until it seperates a bit and then work it all around.DONT FORCE IT!!!!!! When you finally get it make sure you use plenty of grease on the shaft and smear it around the flat surfaces before you put it back together.Time to borrow Bondos motto!!!!! Charlie

 

[wyoben]

Re: Upper Housing and Gear Housing Stuck Together

Well I have all the bolts out, will go out and try again after a bit. Thanks for the posts. Just wanted to make sure I didn't miss a hidden bolt or something.

 

[wyoben]

Re: Upper Housing and Gear Housing Stuck Together

Got it off, had to use a razor blade between the gasket and lower housing. It has been sitting a couple of years; (last registered in 98) when I got it off it the exhaust was full of a nest for a mouse or a bird. When I drained the oil it was new however. By the way here is my project boat. Any tips would be appreciated. I have removed all the upholstery (all the wood was soaked and rotten) the floor also is soft, Planning on pulling the engine, to make replacing the floor easier. The engine cover was wood and is rotten, anyone know where I can find a fiberglass replacement? Thanks Ben<br /><br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=26430&item=2448916710

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Upper Housing and Gear Housing Stuck Together

Wyoben,hopefully the rodent stopped at the exhaust and didnt go into the engine.I have heard of more than one case where the engine was filled with corn kernels or something else from a mouse that took up residence inside the motor.I would take out the plugs and block drain to see what comes out before you crank the motor.Charlie