'73 Evinrude 6hp impeller removal

[camper681]

Thanks to everybody that has helped me get through my first tune-up. Your help is very much appeciated and the knowledge I am gaining will make me a much better and safer boater. Now for the final phase... <br /><br />I am installing a new water pump kit in my '73 6 hp fisherman as the final phase of the tune-up. The manual says to remove 4 screws on the gearcase and it slides off to access the water pump. The gearcase seems to be hung up and I am not sure how to get it to release. I don't want to pry it and risk damage. Is there a trick to this or am i missing something?

 

[Xcusme]

Re: '73 Evinrude 6hp impeller removal

Camper,<br />What you have there sounds like the classic example of the top of the drive shaft possibly being rusted in the crank shaft splines. It happens when the drive splines aren't greased the last time it was apart (if ever!). Gentle persuasion and some rust bust spray down the drive shaft (if you can get it apart enough-to spray) usually frees them apart.

 

[lawnboy]

Re: '73 Evinrude 6hp impeller removal

This motor has a forward, neutral and reverse? My long shaft '77 6hp does, so I assume your motor has the same. There is a plate on the side of the exhaust housing (section above gear case housing) held on with two screws. Remove this plate to gain access to the shifter rod, more specifically, the shift rod connector. You will see a screw on the connector which needs to be loosened in order to free the lower shift bar from the upper shift bar. Do not unscrew completely, just enough to free the **** bar....hope this helps...John B

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: '73 Evinrude 6hp impeller removal

You need to remove the screw from the shift rod connector. Simply loosening it won't do the trick. The connector is located in the gap between the exhaust housing and the gearcase. It's a rectangular brass piece with two 3/8" hex-head bolts in it. The bolts may also be slotted. Be careful when reassembling, as the bolts are fine thread, easily cross-threaded and the brass is soft (easily stripped), so you want it all lined up when it goes together...<br />- Scott

 

[camper681]

Re: '73 Evinrude 6hp impeller removal

Finally got it, what a pain in the nuts. They sure don't give you much room to work with. <br />Thanks again for all of the help. now it's time to go fishing. Cheers!