water inlet screens broken?

[joetheis]

This is on a '91 'Rude 70 H.P VRO.
I pulled the boat out of the water and started to clean the YUK off the motor from the launch ramp debris.
The plastic screens on my water intake, 1/2 are broken??
Who know what is inside my motor now!!!
I REALLY DON'T want o to tear the lower unit off and replace...............
Any easy GOOD fix, like expoy and screens?
Thanks,
Joe

 

[racerone]

It would be less effort to remove the lower unit for maintenance and screen replacement than to cobble something up.

 

[WernerF]

Those screens get very brittle over the years. The only good fix is to drop the lower unit and replace it.

 

[joetheis]

Yeah, I guess I better do it right!
If I pop off the lower unit and take apart the water pump assy, is the screen right under that?
Is it easy to get at?
Any special things I should be careful of?
I think I'll pop the thermo out and back flush the motor, just in case..........
Joe
Just when I thought I'd get a break!

 

[F_R]

Don't be worrying abut the pieces causing any problem. Yes, the screens are replaced after removing the water pump. I haven't looked at your particular motor, but on many, the bearing housing under the pump also has to be removed. Just break up the old screens to get them out, and the new ones snap into place. Good time to slap a new impeller in there also.

 

[WernerF]

You can form a hook from an old wire coat hanger to get the screen out. Bearing housing can be left in place on your motor.

 

[wrmdunker]

I just did my screen when I planned to do the pump. Used the wire hook and had to loosen the bearing housing a bit. Very easy and much better than trying to epoxy something on. Love the piece of mind to get rid of those gaping holes. I tapped the screen down lightly with a wood dowel for a solid fit.

 

[joetheis]

bad part is I just replaced the impellar last fall!
The screens were good then.
I ordered a new impellar kit (just in case), screen.
It's just a pain in the aft to do it up at the trailer, as all the "good" tools are here 220 miles away!
Joe

 

[joetheis]

Well, for anyone who will read this, don't be afraid to tackle the screens, (and maybe replace them with the impellar)?
I didn't have my shop manual here, (was with the boat 250 miles away), til I got to the boat.
Ordered a complete water pump kit and the screen and what I thought was a screw to hold them (it listed as a "bearing screw").
Drop your lower unit, same as same.........
Pull the impellar apart, (mine was fresh this winter, but I din't know HOW it'd look inside, hence the complete kit).
All was fine, no dirt or?? got in there.
I broke up the screen with a ice pick and small screw driver turn it up side down to get it cleared out.
The screenhousing was still there.
I took the 4- 3/8" bolts that hold the bearing cap off, reached in and pulled screen part out. (watch the spacer discs, make sure you don't screw them up)!
New one tapped in with a stick and screw driver head.
Some gear lube on bearing, cleaned and silconed the bearing cap back on.
New gasket on base of impellar and reinstalled, (I left the impellar in the housing this time, lined the "key way" up and it slipped back on pretty easy).
Lower unit back in place.
It took maybe 2 hours total, including having to stop and talk to EVERYONE who passed by...........
Pretty easy and simple really!
Joe