Mariner 60 - Lower casing removal

Hi All, I have had the skeg completely broken off the lower casing of my outboard. I need to get it welded back on. When I have drained the gearbox oil and removed the bolts holding the lower casing on, is there anything I need to look out for when removing the casing, circlips etc - or will it just slide off?<br />Does anything have to be lined up when replacing etc?<br />Thanks in advance

Re: Mariner 60 - Lower casing removal

You don't mention the year but on most of those motors the lower unit slides right off once ALL the bolts are removed. Be sure to get the one under the antiventilation plate and the one hidden above the trim tab. Both the drive shaft and the shift shaft are splined shafts without any retainers to remove.<br /><br />Before removing, place the motor in forward gear and leave it there. If you are carefull and don't move any of the shafts you should be able to slide it right back up in place. It however things don't align its no big deal. Have a helper rotate the flywheel from above while you push the L/U up into place to align the splined shafts. Try not to rotate the shift shaft in the L/U and your life will be easier. If the shift shaft is out of alignment it will still go back together but you may not be able to get all gears. A matter of removeing the L/U, rotating the shift shaft to the proper poistion and reinstalling.