I have been trying for many days now to remove my lower unit with absolutely no success.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=384230
I can be patient.. After all, I am a BAND teacher, among other things, but I also don't want to miss the opener, so I decided to try another approach. I grew up on a farm, so sometimes there are solutions out there that are not as "conventional" as you might think.
I took a sawzall with a metal cutting blade and cut through the exhaust housing until I was halfway through the shaft. Then I rotated the shaft and cut the other half so I wouldn't have to go too far into the housing. I know an aircraft mechanic who welds aluminum and my dad is going to get that piece welded for me. It will be almost good as new.
As you can see, I welded on a shaft with a slide hammer. I also have started soaking the spline with PB directly. It is quite stiff, but much easier to work on this way. By the way, I found a shaft for $50, so after I get it off, I still got by cheaper than taking it to a dealer. I could have ended up paying $80 just to have them try and not be able to get it off.
The impeller looks somewhat worn, but the rubber is still malleable. I was really hoping it would be almost shot so I would feel better about all the work I am doing on it. I got the original manual today, so I am all set as soon as I get that shaft off.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=384230
I can be patient.. After all, I am a BAND teacher, among other things, but I also don't want to miss the opener, so I decided to try another approach. I grew up on a farm, so sometimes there are solutions out there that are not as "conventional" as you might think.
I took a sawzall with a metal cutting blade and cut through the exhaust housing until I was halfway through the shaft. Then I rotated the shaft and cut the other half so I wouldn't have to go too far into the housing. I know an aircraft mechanic who welds aluminum and my dad is going to get that piece welded for me. It will be almost good as new.
As you can see, I welded on a shaft with a slide hammer. I also have started soaking the spline with PB directly. It is quite stiff, but much easier to work on this way. By the way, I found a shaft for $50, so after I get it off, I still got by cheaper than taking it to a dealer. I could have ended up paying $80 just to have them try and not be able to get it off.
The impeller looks somewhat worn, but the rubber is still malleable. I was really hoping it would be almost shot so I would feel better about all the work I am doing on it. I got the original manual today, so I am all set as soon as I get that shaft off.