1997 Force 120 Outboard Water Impeller Change - Lower Unit Doesn't Come Out

[anple]

Hello Everyone,
I wanted to change the water impeller to 1997 Force 120 Outboard. I took out 4 bolts on the side( 2 on each side) and one bolt underneath and close to the Trim Tab, but the Lower Unit doesn't come out. What I am missing? Thanks - Anthony

 

[87blf125]

Re: 1997 Force 120 Outboard Water Impeller Change - Lower Unit Doesn't Come Out

did you disconnect your shift linkage that is half way up the between the motor and the lower unit?

 

[emoney]

Re: 1997 Force 120 Outboard Water Impeller Change - Lower Unit Doesn't Come Out

Also, isn't there another (2 total) bolt holding on the trim tab?
Towards the back, I thought I read in Frank's sticky about changing
the impeller (hint, hint) that there's a 2nd, almost hidden screw that
you expose once you remove the front one?? If not, then please
ignore me.

 

[87blf125]

Re: 1997 Force 120 Outboard Water Impeller Change - Lower Unit Doesn't Come Out

i know on a 125 you have to take off the trim tab and there is a allen head bolt you gotta take out under the trim tab.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1997 Force 120 Outboard Water Impeller Change - Lower Unit Doesn't Come Out

That is a Mercury lower unit. There are four bolts, two on each side, one bolt under the trim tab, and (I think) one in front of the leg. (I forget--I know regular Mercs have the front stud and nut) Additionally, there are two locating pins set relatively tight in the casting so you must tap off the lower with a block of wood or a rubber mallet.

 

[anple]

Re: 1997 Force 120 Outboard Water Impeller Change - Lower Unit Doesn't Come Out

Hello,
I am attaching an image of the lower unit with removed bolts that are marked in white. There were 5 bolts I attempted to remove. What am I missing? Thanks - Anthony

 

[87blf125]

Re: 1997 Force 120 Outboard Water Impeller Change - Lower Unit Doesn't Come Out

from your pic it looks like that would be all of them. did you also try like frank had said and try tapping it off with a block and a rubber mallet? i know they can be alittle tight.

 

[199675hpforce]

Re: 1997 Force 120 Outboard Water Impeller Change - Lower Unit Doesn't Come Out

LOL what about the front there is bolt there undo anode looking fin thingy. So 6 bolts

 

[anple]

Re: 1997 Force 120 Outboard Water Impeller Change - Lower Unit Doesn't Come Out

i know on a 125 you have to take off the trim tab and there is a allen head bolt you gotta take out under the trim tab.

How do I do that? Thanks - Anthony

 

[anple]

Re: 1997 Force 120 Outboard Water Impeller Change - Lower Unit Doesn't Come Out

did you disconnect your shift linkage that is half way up the between the motor and the lower unit?

How do I do that? Thanks - Anthony

 

[87blf125]

Re: 1997 Force 120 Outboard Water Impeller Change - Lower Unit Doesn't Come Out

take abock of wood and place it on the top of the lower unit and hit the block with a rubber mallet, try to not hit too hard on the edges so you don't break anything. like frank said before there are probably 2 studs on the top of the lower unit that go into holes on the leg to keep it lined up and they just slide togeather but are probably stuck so you need to tap down on the lower unit to get it to seperate. i know i have used a small screw driver and tapped it between where the lower unit connects to seperate it after the bolts were out. it may not be the right way to do it but that is what i did.