Mercury 40, 4hp 1972

[giuseppedababa]

I've recently inherited a 1972 vintage 4hp Mercury. the prop doesn't turn at all and the gear lever wont go in to neutral - its stuck in reverse. I've tried to drop the bottom end off to see where the problem is but having removed the two bolts I can see - onedirectly above the prop and the other at the rear just under the cavitation plate - its not budging.

Am I missing a hidden fixing somewhere? Does anyone have an expanded diagram for this engine?

Thanks

 

[Laddies]

Re: Mercury 40, 4hp 1972

Those are the bolts and it should come down but is apparently stuck, have you tryed to tap it? might be stuck on the shaft of just the castings. Heres a link on part break downs. http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...=21&bdesc=GEAR+HOUSING+(DRIVE+SHAFT)+(PAGE+1)

 

[markodecember]

Re: Mercury 40, 4hp 1972

what I tend to do is where the bolt sticks up behind the gearcase housing (not the one under the prop) I get a flat head screwdriver and using leverage try and push the bolt DOWN so it forces the lower unit off the leg.

This method has worked well for me in the past and do try to AVOID tapping the cavitation plate with a hammer because it usualy just cracks and breaks the aluminium being so old and brittle.

Hope this helps.

 

[giuseppedababa]

Re: Mercury 40, 4hp 1972

Hey, thanks very much for your replies.

It turned out that the gear box was siezed and eventually cracked whilst attempting to remove it.

Thanks for your help