15hp force

[prs]

hi all:
i've got a 1993 force 15hp that i'm trying to install a new water pump in. I can't get the lower unit to lower enough to get at the screw or bolt holding the upper and lower togeather. i've looked everywhere and can't get the info. one source says to put it in reverse and the other says to put it in forward. neither works. it will only lower less that 1/4" and i can't see anything. anybody know the real skinny on this fix.
thanx,pat

 

[roscoe]

Re: 15hp force

Should only be the 4 bolts.
Then wiggle and lower it enough to get to the shift rod coupling screw.

I'm guessing the driveshaft is not releasing from the powerhead.
Use a block of wood against the lower unit and give it a few wacks with a hammer to try to get it moving. Don't pound on the anti ventilation plate, or it may break.


Putting it in forward should make the screw a little easier to get at.

 

[roscoe]

Re: 15hp force

Oh, and welcome to iboats.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 15hp force

The gearshift actuator is a detent lever in the gearcase. Since reverse is down, you put the gearshift in reverse then yank down on the lower unit to move the detent up into forward. This should give about 3/4 clearance--plenty to unscrew the two rods. If you can not pull down, then as said above, the driveshaft is stuck inside the crank and you will need to use "Psycology"

I have not worked on that late a 15 but if they have not changed the lower unit much, the shaft is a slip fit in the pinion and only the water pump impeller drive pin holds it. You can force the shaft out of the lower unit and only damage the water pump seal--which is easy and cheap to replace

 

[prs]

Re: 15hp force

thanx for your help guys, and i will give it a try and let u know soon.