Feeln stupid ****I6 gearcase won't budge. suggestions?????????????????????

1986 Merc 115 inline 6.
Can't get gearcase off, or even loose.

Motor has been sitting a long time, and believe the driveshaft may be siezed to the block.

Don't have a lot of history on the motor, but it has sat for "a few" years.

Removed trim tab and the bolt under it.
Removed the front nut, the 2 under the anti vent plate, and the 2 side nuts.
Applied pb blaster to 3 front studs.
Been pounding on it for an hour.
Can't even get it to wiggle.
Can't even open up a gap.

I've removed these gear cases at least a dozen times, ok, probably 30 times, and while I have had some snug ones, they always came loose within 5 minutes.

I think it has been off at some point, because the trim tab bolt is not stock. Or maybe they just lost that bolt and replaced it with another.

Any ideas to get it loose?

Re: Feeln stupid ****I6 gearcase won't budge. suggestions?????????????????????

Bigger hammer.Or a couple of thin wedges to start it off,and controlled aggression.

Re: Feeln stupid ****I6 gearcase won't budge. suggestions?????????????????????

Thanks, Been using a big rubber mallet, can't get a gap to insert a wedge, or even a razor blade.

What a pain.

Re: Feeln stupid ****I6 gearcase won't budge. suggestions?????????????????????

Now's when you need a 55 gallon drum of WD40.

Re: Feeln stupid ****I6 gearcase won't budge. suggestions?????????????????????

OK, gave up pounding, for fear of breaking either my knuckles or the plate.

Took a small chisel and drove it between the mid and gearcase, got a crack !!

Same at the rear. !!!

A few more whacks and she dropped.

It looks really clean in there, except at the top of the driveshaft. Pretty thick in hard dry grease on one side, and rust on the other.




Popped the water pump cover and it looks like the impeller has been in there for a long long time, it may be original. It is badly worn, has a bad set, AND has dried so much that it is cracked all over, but still intact.


Anyway, now I've got to go replace some seals on a 15 Johnson.

Happy boating.