Cant get lower unit off to service water pump (2005 merc 50 hp 3 cyl)

[Louie]

I know Im going to sound like a crazy person, I cant get this lower unit off on my 2005 50hp elpto, 3 cyl. I took loose the 4 bolts (two on each side) and the nut under the trim anode., and shift linkage. Ive had this unit off 3 years ago, and greased the propeller shaft splines that go into the crank with marine grease. Im thinking its siezed in there. I tryed some slight pryin and tapping with a rubber hammer, no go. Am I going to have to resort to taking it to a dealer? Has anyone encountered this? Ive read other posts about flipping motors upside down, spraying pb blaster, wd40 onto the prop shaft etc.. and cutting the prop shaft off or pulling the power head.

[EuropeanAM]

DO NOT attempt to cut the propshaft. That's NOT going to help get the gearcase off!

Try placing a 2x4 across the triangulated portion of the gearcase (at the rear of the anti-ventilation plate), have someone help support the gearcase (in case it falls).

Strike the 2x4 with a hammer (3-5#), and see if it helps to rattle the case loose so it can be removed.

If you do ever get it off... you'll need to determine WHAT was seized, clean that surface, and LUBRICATE appropriately.

[Louie]

whomp whomp... let ya know how it gos

[prepsdk]

I had the same problem with a 15 hp Yamaha a couple of years ago.

I build a homemade stretch bench, placed the Yammie upside down and sprayed WD 40 on the shaft. Every night I gave the tensioning straps an extra notch and a few blows with a rubber hammer. It took a week before it separated off with a loud bang :-)

NOT THAT I RECOMMEND YOU TO DO THE SAME :-)




Modified by prepsdk at 11:02 PM 2/21/2012