1962 Merc 110 Lower End Removal Help

Hello,

I have a 1962 Merc 110 9.8 hp that my grandfather bought new. It will start and run but it needs a new impeller. I removed the two bolts on the lower end unit and I was able to move it about 3 inches and it will not budge past that. Is there a clip, or another bolt I'm missing or is the shaft just rusted? Thanks

Re: 1962 Merc 110 Lower End Removal Help

If it is moving three inches, then all of the necessary bits have been loosened up. It's just the two nutted studs and it should drop down.

Coming to mind - being that you've got it as far as you do, can you see if the water tube is coming WITH the water pump or is the tube now free of the pump housing? Also, is the shift rod moving WITH the gear housing or is it, perhaps, staying with the upper housing? Those are the only two things that could be holding things up after already having moved three inches. The driveshaft would already be long-free of the crankshaft and there's nothing on it to hang up.

Re: 1962 Merc 110 Lower End Removal Help

The water tube moves when I pull on the lower end, however the shift rod is very hard to get to move in either direction now. My biggest fear is messing up the drive shaft. Should I tap on the entire lower end unit to free it, or will that do damage?

Re: 1962 Merc 110 Lower End Removal Help

If the unit moved 3-inches, then the driveshaft is free and clear. The shift rod should move with the gearcase and should also be free and clear of it's coupling at 3-inches out. If the water tube is moving with the gearcase, then it has pulled out of the powerhead and is likely the cause of your hang-up. The tube is bent to follow the contour of the motor leg and may be hitting the back of the leg. It is copper tubing and will flex a bit. You need to loosen it up and remove it from the water pump housing. Some WD-40 or even silicon spray lube may help loosen it from the housing. There's a rubber grommet in the top of the pump housing that can almost weld itself to the tube over time, making it difficult for the tube to pull free. The grommet is replaceable, so don't worry about wrecking it if needed.