Help with evinrude lower unit rebuild.

I have a 1996 150hp OB which needs a lower unit rebuild. The housing is in great shape but one of the other components needs repair. I am taking it apart tomorrow and can hopefully identify the problem. Any suggestions or words of wisdom before tackling this task? I work on cars all the time and hopefully I can take to boats just as well. But without knowing exactly what the problem is, should I leave this up to a mechanic or can I tackle rebuilding it myself?

Re: Help with evinrude lower unit rebuild.

Hi and welcome!<br /><br />how about some encouragement? I was in the same boat as you 2 years ago, but it was a 150hp Merc. Managed to disassemble, making my own special tools as required, diagnosed problem (broken/twisted driveshaft), found used driveshaft and rebuilt with new bearings etc... It's now been used for 2 seasons (problem free!). Was mucho cheaper than someone else doing the work, and I learned how a lower unit works along the way.<br /><br />Getting a service manual is a must (the pict's are very helpful), Seloc was good for my motor. Worst case is you take it apart and find the gearset is trashed etc... in which case you might choose to look for a used LU instead of rebuilding (likely cheaper). Not being in a hurry also helped. If (when) I got frustrated, I'd just let it sit for a few days.<br /><br />good luck!

Re: Help with evinrude lower unit rebuild.

Like BF says, get a manual, it helps! Took my LITTLE 30 hp erude apart today to replace seals etc, older 50s' without the book I would have been lost. Background in automechanics also. Just like flyin a plane, it isn't gettin it off the ground (apart) that takes a lot of skill but gettin back down (together) may require some but the book and the notes I made taking it apart helped alot!.<br /><br />Got it fired up just before dark runnin in the barrel, 12 year old smaarta grandson sat on the steps watching me tryin to get it started for an hour only to tell me "turn the throttle back some, thats why your'e not getting any fire" much to my embarrasment he was right.<br /><br />Everything sealed and pumping water beautifully.<br /><br />Did't know much about this when I started (boating newbie) and I am sure the higher hp engines like yours will be more of a challenge but I did learn a lot from the experience and wouldn't hesitate to do it again!

Re: Help with evinrude lower unit rebuild.

How are you doing ? got it apart ?? .<br />Here are something that might help GLM pdf catalog , it got some nice drawings ( these are no replacement for the maual , but better than nothing )<br /><br />Secound , a digital camera would also be handy .<br /><br />When taking apart , take notes ( pictures )<br />Work slow , do NOT stress ( better to take a break, then doing it one more time )<br />Clean workbenk .<br />Identify problem , get parts , get it together ( before you forget how to )<br /><br />No problem to big for this forum

Re: Help with evinrude lower unit rebuild.

eagleflats,You never mentioned what symptoms you were experiencing that led you to believe the lower unit needs rebuilding.Is there mechanical binding or noise? Water intrusion? Shifting problems?

Re: Help with evinrude lower unit rebuild.

Wow thanks, if I knew I would receive this much information I would have stayed up last night. Anway, I took the motor to a local dealer who owed me a few favors and he said there was a hole in the gearcase on loading edge probably from hitting something. Compression check was 125 across the board and powerhead sounded fine. Gear lube unit was dry. He also said the #5 carb drain had varnish in the bowl and will need a rebuild. I would have let him do the work but he gave me a rediculous estimate and then charged me for the inspection which he said would be free. But dont get me started on that. (Don't go to Naples Marina in Naples, FL). So I hope to get the unuit off today pending the weather. Any other advice is appreciated and thanks again for the help so far.

Re: Help with evinrude lower unit rebuild.

eagle - BF & John's advice about getting the manual is the best you could get at this point. <br /><br />For what it is worth I would expect to pay a mechanic for his time if he did a "reasonable" inspection (not just gabbing).