Can't drop lower end on '90 70 hp VRO Evinrude

[Khenders]

I just picked up a boat with a 90 VRO 70 hp. It has sat for 3 years and the prior owner included a water pump kit. As the new owner I want to replace the water pump before using the boat so that I know the maintenance schedule.

I have removed all bolts from the cav plate and trim tab, and I removed the lower carb and have loosened the shifter connection under it. The lower end does not budge. The shifter disconnect is really tucked away and the 7/16 bolt is tough to get a wrench on. Do I need to completely remove the bolt? Would it help to take the VRO pump off? I checked Evinrudes website for ht eparts diagram but did not find anything that really showed the connector.

A simple project is becoming frustrating. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Ken

 

[npd4432]

Re: Can't drop lower end on '90 70 hp VRO Evinrude

Yes, you need to disconnect the shift shaft to drop the lower unit. Make sure all the bolts are out and take it apart. A rubber mallet works good in your situation.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Can't drop lower end on '90 70 hp VRO Evinrude

Shift shaft must be disconnected. You can usually reach it with a 1/4" drive socket, swivel and various extensions even with the carb in place. It's tricky but patience and a little time and you will get it. Just remember do not "force" anything or it will get to be a longer and more expensive job. Are you sure you removed all the lower unit bolts ?? as if only the shift rod is still attached it would normally move down a little before it stopped.

 

[Khenders]

Re: Can't drop lower end on '90 70 hp VRO Evinrude

Yes, I removed the 4 main bolts and the two at the trim tab...even the anode bolt. I have alreadt tried a mallet thinking is should at least drop a little even if the shifter was not completely free.
You mentioned using a socket on the connector. The only bolt I saw was facing upward. Was this the other end of the connecter that attaches to the shift lever?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Can't drop lower end on '90 70 hp VRO Evinrude

there are several type of connectors and it gets confusing. if you do not have the bolt that head is on the port side of the connector, just a head on top of the connector, you disconnect point is one the starboard side. remove the shift cables, now move shift lever to forward, if there is a snap pin going thru the shift rod, pull the pin, and slide shift rod toward the block, this moves the connector pin at the linkage, also when reconnecting, you can access the shift rod thru a hole in the lower cowl, helps line it up.

did you get the bolt that is hidden deep up under the trim tab. should have 20 on each side 9/16, on next to trim tab 5/8 and one deep 9/16 total 6, trim tab bolt is 7/16.

 

[Khenders]

Re: Can't drop lower end on '90 70 hp VRO Evinrude

It is hard to see what is tucked under there. I'll have to poke around some more tonight.
I pulled 6 bolts; 4 below the cav plate and two at teh trim tab though one of these just held an anode in place and I'm not sure that it tapped into the midsection. I can check again to see if there is one more tucked up there.
Does anyone have a diagram showing the various connectors?