Mercruiser outdrive lower section won't separate!

model14

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 26, 2013
Messages
118
I am trying to remove the lower section on my 1988 Mercruiser Alpha 2.5L (1988 Thunder Craft regency 162 restoration). This particular model appears to have only 4 total bolts holding the lower to the upper section. One under the trim tab zinc, one on the very forward end center, and one on each side forward. I had expected to find 2 bolts on each side based on my repair manual and what I have reviewed on YouTube, but I can't find any others than the 4 I found. In any event, the two sections won't separate. I have "massaged" the lower section with a block of wood and hammer as much as I dare, but nothing is moving. I am afraid I am missing a bolt somewhere but I sure can't find it. Any advice on how to proceed will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Richard.
 

FreeBeeTony

Captain
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
3,991
Re: Mercruiser outdrive lower section won't separate!

There should be 2 more under the cavitation plate.
They may be covered with growth if the boat is kept in the water......barnacles, etc.............
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,465
Re: Mercruiser outdrive lower section won't separate!

There should be 2 more under the cavitation plate.
They may be covered with growth if the boat is kept in the water......barnacles, etc.............

Ayuh,... Agreed,... Find the other 2 nuts, 'n it oughta come off,...
 

model14

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 26, 2013
Messages
118
Re: Mercruiser outdrive lower section won't separate!

Okay, gotta find them suckers. I'll let you know where they be :joyous:
 

FreeBeeTony

Captain
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
3,991
Re: Mercruiser outdrive lower section won't separate!

Not hard............just clean the crud away..............5/8" socket.
 

model14

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 26, 2013
Messages
118
Re: Mercruiser outdrive lower section won't separate!

Found the nuts and the lower unit dropped right out. Thanks.
 

model14

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 26, 2013
Messages
118
'O' ring on lower driveshaft?

'O' ring on lower driveshaft?

Just pulled the lower gear case on my 1988 Alpha one. Drive shaft has an O ring groove right below the splines, but no O ring is present. Repair manual says that replacement shafts from Mercury don't have an O ring groove. Am I okay leaving it out? If it isn't necessary i don't want to put one in.
Thanks,
Richard
 

thumpar

Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
6,138
Re: Mercruiser outdrive lower section won't separate!

Leave it out. It can cause more problems.
 
Top