lower unit stuck

[sealyons]

I have a 1985 3.5hp merc that needs a new water pump impeller. When I attemp to drop the lower unit it lowers about 1/2" and will not travel any further. I have tried to "persuade" it to come apart but it will not budge. Any suggestions?

 

[steviecops]

Re: lower unit stuck

Is it a longshaft?<br /><br />I've just done an impeller on a longshaft 3.6hp merc, and the studs that hold the lower unit on are pretty long due to the extension piece. On my one, there was some salt corrosion causing the stud to stick in the housing. I kept spraying it with oil and working it back and forth and eventually it came off

 

[Keith Buchanan]

Re: lower unit stuck

OH'NO! sounds familiar..Patience in these situations normally gains results. Paitience is the word, it's only a small engine therefore shouldn't need much thrutching..Just to make you feel better it took me 3 weeks to free of my 50HP drive shaft. Do a search, it's there..<br /><br />Best of luck, keep posting. Keith B..

 

[steviecops]

Re: lower unit stuck

He's moved it half an inch keith, so it can't be that bad ;o) LOL.<br /><br />I had to bin my 20hp in the end by the way (<br /><br />Steve

 

[sealyons]

Re: lower unit stuck

Thanks for the suggestions guys. A 3lb sledge and a block of wood and it dropped right off. The guy at the shop said that the shaft was probably rusted to the crank and I should junk the motor. I am glad I checked here!

 

[achris]

Re: lower unit stuck

At last, one for the good guys!

 

[sealyons]

Re: lower unit stuck

I have replaced the impellor and the o-ring seal at the top of the shaft. I re-installed the lower unit. It seems to run fine and pump water but there is water coming out of the place where the upper and lower units meet. There did not appear to be any gasket or sealer on there when I separated them originally. Could it be that the water tube is not seated correctly in the pump housing? I have dissassemled it once and everything appears to be in order.