prop shaft removal

[mateo2367]

i am trying to replace the seals and bearings in the lower end of a mercury 9.8, an older one. The one major problem i am having is getting the lower end apart. I removed the prop but there is a ring that hold everything in the houseing that says on-off that doesn't move on or off. this is where i need the help. i tried using a screwdriver and a hammer with no luck.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: prop shaft removal

Welcome to iboats.<br /><br />Without the proper tool, it's a tough job. If you're close to a dealer, take the gearcase to them. They might take it off for a tiny fee. Many will do it free if you get the parts there. Otherwise soak it well with WD-40 and use two big screwdrivers. LIGHTLY tap the outside of the gearcase around the ring nut with the hammer to help loosen corrosion in the threads. Heating the outside of the gearcase around the ring nut with a propane torch may help too. 180 degrees apart, hook the blade of each screwdriver on a cog of the ring nut and rest the shanks against the propshaft as close to the gearcase as possible and screw it out. You're using the screwdrivers as levers with the propdhaft as the fulcrum. Using 2 screwdrivers doubles the force you're applying. 180 degrees apart evens-out the force.<br /><br />DO NOT use the hammer and screwdriver to pound against the ring nut like a chisel. The material is soft and the ring nut distorts easily making it that much harder. If you must pound on it, lay the screwdriver with the flat side of the blade against the inner diameter of the ring nut and between two cogs, screwdriver parallel with the propshaft, and pound on the shank of the screwdriver close to the gearcase. That will keep the force parallel to the threads and prevent distortion.

 

[gmarshall43]

Re: prop shaft removal

I'm working on a 1967 9.8hp merc that had the same problem. I pretty much did what WillyB told you to do. I didn't use WD-40 but another type of lubricant that loosens up bolts and I soak it over night and then I used a torch to heat it up. I used a punch with a flat head and a hammer and used a light touch, as WillyB said it is a soft metal. It started to turn out after a couple of hits. I also found out that I had to turn clockwise to get it out. So check which direction you need to turn that ring before you start.