Mercruser Outdrive,Help?

Question

I am restoring a 1978 Wellcraft with Mercruser outdrive. Ive sucsesfully removed the Tiller and upper swivel pin but I can see in my book were it say,s if the Lower swivel pin comes out through the Bottom or the inside, The coter pin is removed, the pin seems to be presed in or is it just stuborn?

Thank you

Answer 1

I’m not sure but it sounds like you’re trying to remove the gimbal ring? If that’s right you’re almost there. Once you have removed the bell housing by pulling the two allen head bolts that connect it to the gimbal ring you need to pull the steering arm (tiller?) and upper swivel pin. These are held in with a horizontal nut and bolt as well as a vertical nut on the end of the upper swivel pin. With those fasteners removed the upper pin will drop out.

The lower swivel pin is held in with a cotter pin. To remove the pin you should turn the unit completely to one side as to allow the pin to be pulled without hitting the gimbal ring. Once that is pulled the lower swivel pin can be pulled but I promise ya it’s gonna be stuck. A little penetrating lube will help but it’s never easy to get those out.

Have  fun…. That’s my least favorite part of a MerCruiser to work on….. I feel your pain!

Answer 2

All good answers. But to answer your question? Yes the pin is just being stubborn. Due to being in there for so long there will be corrosion. Maybe not a whole lot but enough to make it "stick." Though I personally have never had any problems getting them out. You say your restoring a 1978 Wellcraft? Well if everything goes good for me I will be getting a 1978 FourWinns that I will be restoring. What size engine does your Wellcraft have? Mine will have just the 120hp engine. If I get this boat then maybe if possible I can post pics of it and restoring process??

Answer 3

All good answers, two thumbs up!

Answer 4

Brad J is correct again! Just remember that if for any reason you disconnect your bellows you will need a bellow's expansion tool to correctly re-install .... This is also a great time to check you gimbal bearing and you drive and exhaust bellow's for cracks or tears or holes! Also check your shift cable and shift boot.

Be sure to lube your unit upon re-assemble and be careful not to pinch your trim wires.

Yeah the pin -- its gonna be stuck!

I feel for ya!

Answer 5

I worked on a Mercruser outdrive and replaced a gear in it. But I really can't figure out what your doing.  Are you still taking it apart?  Maybe more info would help.