2001 Mercury / Tracker 40HP Lower Unit Removal

[rev.rick]

I've searched previous posts and came up with 0 so forgive me if this has been asked before. I have a motor that's still pretty cherry. I had the boat in the water this weekend and must have sucked some muck up into the impeller, I had the tell-tale stream when I first put it in the water then it was gone after going through weeds. I would like to check the impeller assembly but cannot remove the lower unit. I took out the four bolts, then removed the trip tab and nut. The unit dropped down a few inches but will still not come out, I'm just not sure what else I must undo before the lower unit will drop out completely. HELP PLEASE and THANK-YOU!

 

[Wellcraft 89]

Re: 2001 Mercury / Tracker 40HP Lower Unit Removal

you did shift to into forward gear!<br />Sometimes the shaft sticks in the crankshaft an needs a little help ,some wooden wedges lightly <br />tapped on both sides.<br />Rich

 

[rev.rick]

Re: 2001 Mercury / Tracker 40HP Lower Unit Removal

Actually, I had the unit in neutral when I dropped the lower unit. I thought it was essential to have the shift in neutral. I have since shifted gears trying to get the unit to drop but have been unsuccessful; of course I have been very gentle as I did not want to damage anything. Should I just put her in forward and try the wedges you mention?