Stubborn Outboard Lower Leg?

[Dockhead]

I am frustrated trying to get the lower unit off my Selva 8hp outboard, that masterpiece of Italian engineering

Can anyone give me any hints?

I've definitely got all the bolts out of it -- one at the front which screws down into the lower unit, two allen headed bolts at the rear which screw up into the leg, and for good measure I took out the bolt which holds the anode.

I have loosened the shift linkage.

There are two slots for prying with a screwdriver -- I can get the aft end lose a bit, but the forward end won't budge. I presume the drive shaft is frozen in the splines, but I don't have a clue what to do about that. I have jiggled it in gear and out, have jiggled the prop with it in gear, nothing helps.

I rigged up a bit of rope which allows me to pound on a bowline with a hammer, imparting a slightly damped impact in just the right spot at the right angle -- nothing.

I even risked the threads of the downward-facing bolt by putting that back in a bit and hammering on that. Nothing.

Any tips?

[pesarsten]

Is it possible that there is a retaining clip on the drive shaft in the gear case for the prop?
Or, the splined shaft is not releasing from the power head, perhaps some PB blaster if you can find a way to get to it.

[a64pilot]

I bet you have a hidden bolt, I did on my Verado and once I found it, it went easy of course.
See if you can find directions or a manual on line.
How old is the thing, looks awfully corroded.

[Opie91]

Is that a zinc I see on the lower side of the cavitation plate near the back end? If so remove it and take a look, manufacturers love hiding bolts under them.

[thomm225]

I had a similar problem on my 5 hp Mercury Outboard the last time I replaced the impeller.

The main shaft was stuck up in the engine.

I had to use a very large screwdriver to pry the lower unit off. You could then see some rust or something similar on the splines of the main shaft. I put some grease on it before reinstall

My engine stays on a bracket on my boat near or in salt water constantly

[Fiveslide]

The most gentle way is probably tapping some small wedges in the seam. Those that are used for leveling toilets are great for this type stuff.

[billknny]

Given the exterior condition of the engine, it is very likely the shaft is frozen into the powerhead. If it is really stuck, you will pry and pull until the lower unit housing cracks, and then you’ll toss the whole thing.

There is a very good reason you should pull the lower unit every season and grease the drive splines.

[Boatguy30]

That motor is a Yamaha clone. I have seen the driveshafts on the 6hp Yamaha cold weld into the crankshaft.

Couple options.
Take powerhead loose at cowling and see it will come off.

Take prop shaft out of gearbox removed clip under pinion gear. You can then get the gearbox off but woodruff key will damage water pump housing which you maybe replacing anyway. Then pull powerhead and heat the shaft. Last one had to get red to come free!

Option 3: sell motor

Use waterproof grease or tefgel on top of driveshaft on next motor

Jeff

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I bet you have a hidden bolt, I did on my Verado and once I found it, it went easy of course.
See if you can find directions or a manual on line.
How old is the thing, looks awfully corroded.

It's not very old. I think that the bubbling paint is just poor finishing.

I will look again for a hidden bolt, but it's practically impossible. Under the zinc is loose. It is obviously stuck where the shaft goes in.

I think what I will do next is take the engine into the boatyard and find a place I can mount it firmly and higher off the ground. Use a longer rope and heavier hammer and just whack away at it.

[a64pilot]

If there isn’t another bolt you should be able to get some clearance from the gear lash, not a whole lot but enough to see through the seam and confirm or deny the existence of any other fasteners.
If there is another bolt, you won’t get any clearance at all, certainly not any where the bolt is.
Can you get a parts manual? That ought to show all fasteners

[Boatguy30]

You'll break the end of the drive shaft under the pinion gear with more force.

[thomm225]

If you have a gap where you have removed the bolts, pry it open further with a large screwdriver.

Move the screwdriver to a different spot each time …….. don't stay in the same spot and you can usually get the lower unit off. (with a little back and forth movement)

I've done this with some ancient outboards ……...

[boeing1]

use care if you try to pry it with a screw driver... I would use a wood block and gently tap on the lower unit in several places

[Dockhead]

A new Yamaha 6 is about £1000 . . . .

Looking more and more tempting.

But I will call one of the dealers in the morning before I start banging on it again.

I can't find any service manual or any parts manual online, but surely the dealer will be willing to tell me something . . . .


Edit: FOUND the parts manual. On a Belarussian site

http://www.selva.by/images/PDF/Parts..._2009-2010.pdf