Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: 1979 70Hp Evinrude lower unit removal

Posted by johnrock on 06/22/10 - 7:42 PM
#1

My daughter gave me a 1978 15 foot whaler with a 1979 70Hp Evinrude.

After my initial boat yard bill of $2000, the customer rep casually mentioned that they recommend a water pump replacement every two years.

I ordered some parts and sorta remembered that the water pump was in the lower unit and started to work. I took off 4 very tight bolts and banged away with a two by four before I gave up. I called my friend who used to make sailboats and he said, yeah that's a problem, I take mine to the boatyard.

see note above about $2000.

I then called a marine mechanic I knew 30 years ago when I was a harbormaster. he said yeah, that's a problem, he did not work on outboards, but he thought there was a fifth bolt above the prop.

I found that, loosed the bolt up and graduated to a hammer and 4 by 4 to jar the thing loose.

That didn't work (as you can probably guess)

So I got on some blogs until my eyes wore out and now believe that somewhere on the port side down low where I can't see is a shift lever that must be disconnected. somehow.

Any pointers? If not I will graduate to a six pound sledge and a 6 by 6. I'm sure that will remove the lower unit, but might give me other problems

Posted by awayland on 06/23/10 - 7:59 AM
#2

I only ever did it on old 40hp Evinrude and Johnsons but try looking under the carburetor at the base of the powerhead and there might be a half inch bolt there to disconnect the shift linkage. You might want to hit all the bolts with penetrating oil especially the water pump housing once you get it out, Those snap easily Good luck.

Posted by Tharsheblows on 06/23/10 - 12:48 PM
#3

John try loking at this thread named "Johnson 70 waterpump".

Also when you get it out and begin the rebuild coat the housing bolts and the driveshaft end with antiseize grease.

Edited by Tharsheblows on 06/23/10 - 12:52 PM

Posted by johnrock on 06/23/10 - 7:38 PM
#4

thanks to both you guys for responding. I was able to locate a Johnson/Evinrude Outboard Shop Manual for 48-235 Hp engines from 1963 to 1979 as a free download. Tomorrow I try again will let you know how it goes.

Posted by johnrock on 06/26/10 - 6:21 PM
#5

Mission Completed!
for those of you whoever try to remove the lower unit, I have a few words of advice,

1. get the service manual. I found it on a free download, you can too.

2. remove the starter like the directions say, you'll realize why when you're putting it back on.

3. getting the shift rod reconnected is very difficult. I had my son turn the rod to the correct alignment while I lifted up the lower unit. not sure how I would do it alone.