1972 chrysler 45hp, cant get lower unit off.

[gonefishin1212]

I disconnected the four main bolts holding the lower unit together. Then the lower unit drops about an inch. From there I am having a problem figureing out what to do. Can anyone help me out with directions.

 

[onfish]

Re: 1972 chrysler 45hp, cant get lower unit off.

drink more beer !!!!!!!

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 1972 chrysler 45hp, cant get lower unit off.

Did you disconnect the shift shaft? Older 45 hp required taking the six motor leg bolts off and there was a long nut that has reverse threads on it that would disconnect the shifter. Newer units I believe have a cotter pin to separate them.

 

[gonefishin1212]

Re: 1972 chrysler 45hp, cant get lower unit off.

I saw that and was trying to disconnect it, but as I got them seperated they both didnt want to budge anymore is there something im missing on that? Thanks for the quick reply!

 

[chryslerpower]

Re: 1972 chrysler 45hp, cant get lower unit off.

I had same problem when i replaced mine. It took time and some good penetrating oil on the joints to work it loose. Also, be sure your in neutral... seemed to help me.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 1972 chrysler 45hp, cant get lower unit off.

I saw that and was trying to disconnect it, but as I got them seperated they both didnt want to budge anymore is there something im missing on that? Thanks for the quick reply!

So you have the shifter removed and the four bolts holding the lower unit to the motor leg and it dropped an inch or so and it wont drop any farther? Does this sound right? Is the lower unit one or two piece? Was there a shifter connection in the motor leg? Has this motor ever ran in salt water? Sorry for all the questions but my guess is that it is siezed to the power head. I just want to make sure you have all the screws out and the shifter disconnected before you have to start pounding.

 

[gonefishin1212]

Re: 1972 chrysler 45hp, cant get lower unit off.

I dont have the shifter removed yet. I tried to get the nuts loose but they only seperate so far and then stop. Is that the only thing left I have to do to drop the lower unit?

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 1972 chrysler 45hp, cant get lower unit off.

Could be if it is not seized. You will have to get that shifter unattached. Is the connection a nut that is about 2 inches long with the upper shifter and lower shifter attached to it. If so one side has reverse threads and the other has standard threads. You may have to turn it the opposite way you would think in order to separate it. If the drive shaft is seized chances are you will not be able to separate this link because as you turn the nut the lower unit will gradually go lower until the coupler is freed. If the drive shaft is seized to the power head the lower unit will not drop.

Was this motor run in salt water??

 

[gonefishin1212]

Re: 1972 chrysler 45hp, cant get lower unit off.

Ok ill give that a try. No this boat has never been in salt water it just hasent been in the water for about two years. It fired up on the first turn and thats when I noticed that the impeller isnt working.

 

[sully73]

Re: 1972 chrysler 45hp, cant get lower unit off.

man that sounds fimilair. i just saw this post after doing mine. i have the same issue but its an 85. i feel your pain, i can push it back up and then pull it dowm about half an inch and thats it. can you see the shaft go up and down or are you getting hung up on the impelled pin? i though maybe the shaft was stuck too, but i can see it move up and down with the unit. if you find the cure let me know man and ill do the same. almost seems like there is a c clip or holding it up right?