1988 mercury 45 hp classic 50

[Eric_W]

I have not used boat in 2 years, I have changed the water pump before, so I know it has a half moon shift linkage. And 4 bolts. But now it is not wanting to drop the lower unit like something inside is holding it from dropping more than a 1/4 of an inch.... help I have I idea how to free it up to drop off so I can change water pump and lower gear oil

 

[racerone]

Needs a little extra persuasion.

 

[Eric_W]

Needs a little extra persuasion.

But where to put the pressure I don't want to pry on the wrong place. And Don't want to break whatever is stuck

 

[racerone]

Couple of plastic wedges that you would use in cutting down a tree ???

 

[jimmbo]

The 2 trapped Nuts can be utilized to push the housing down. I would put something between the nut and the house, just to prevent the nut from Machining the housing

You don't need to drop the case to change the Oil, doing so actually makes it more difficult.

 

[Eric_W]

The 2 trapped Nuts can be utilized to push the housing down. I would put something between the nut and the house, just to prevent the nut from Machining the housing

You don't need to drop the case to change the Oil, doing so actually makes it more difficult.

Oil and water pump. I tried the bolts to push it down. Will add a spacer to add to it