1988 evinrude 88hps lower unit stuck

hey Guys

i have a 1988 evinrude 88 spl.
i can not get the lower unit to drop? i took all the bolts out of the bottom , and disconnected the shift rod. i can get it down about a quarter of an inch , but that is it.
am i missing something ?????

any help would be great!

Thank you ; Wolf

Re: 1988 evinrude 88hps lower unit stuck

First peek under the trim tab for another bolt. The driveshaft is likely what has you in a bind lowering the unit.Keep trying some coaxing by lifting the unit up and down in an attempt to break loose any scale that is keeping the splines from drifting free.You could also reinstall a couple of bolts loosely(one on each side) and carefully rap on the unit with a piece of wood to free it.Just make sure that you apply the shock at the point of where the unit will not drop or you'll just create more bind.Becareful not to hit on the extreme edge of the anti-ventilation plate to prevent breakage.The bolts being installed loosely will keep the unit from suddenly dropping and once you get it to move at all you should be able to continue coaxing it until it is completely free.Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Re: 1988 evinrude 88hps lower unit stuck

You might also attach the bolts loosely, start up the motor with the muffs on and shift from forward to reverse a few times and see if that jolts it loose. Make sure the bolts are run up close to being tight, but loose enough to let the driveshaft move around a bit. Also, try some wood wedges in the seam to try to force it down. Don't be shy with them. Give them firm whacks with a hammer. Start at the rear with light pressure and work your way to the front to open the gap up and hopefully it will come loose.
There may also be a fifth bolt under the trim skag, take it off and you will see it. If that doesnt work, hold the flywheel so it don't turn. If you can get hold of the driveshaft, work it back and forth to losen it up in the cranshaft. If you can't get hold of the driveshaft, get the gear case in gear and twist the prop a little. The idea is to work the driveshaft without turning the flywheel.

good luck

Re: 1988 evinrude 88hps lower unit stuck

Are you sure the shift rod is disconnected? No offense implied, but some are tricky. From my experience, once you get the lower unit to drop that 1st 1/4" it comes on out pretty quickly!

Re: 1988 evinrude 88hps lower unit stuck

hey Guys

Thank you for the replies bigtime.

ok; First off i had to put wedges in seam to get unit down the quarter inch i mentioned.
I'm positive i have all bolts out. i pulled a pin, and pushed the slide over, and the shift rod came off the pin. is there a set screw some where?
do i need to take the screw out above the screen? I think it has something to do with lower shaft?

I was told to put wood wedges in the seam, and smack the top of the crank with a brass hammer?????

i will try lose bolts and try shifting back and forth for sure