82 Mercury 115hp powerhead removal

[mplen2955]

Have two 115hp that I want to swap powerheads (the one on the boat is froze up). I have everything disconnected in the motor and I have removed the six nuts that holds the powerhead to the lower unit but they do not come apart. Is this where they separate?? Does anyone have any suggestions on getting these to separate??
I really don't know much about this but I want to go boating so I'm going to figure out as much as I can. Any assistance would be very much appreciated

 

[galamb]

Take a paint scraper and a mallet and start tapping it into that gasket all the way around. If she hasn't been apart since 1982 it's plenty gummed together....

 

[racerone]

I believe you have missed 2 nuts at the front !----There are 8 nuts to take off for the block removal.

 

[mplen2955]

I believe you have missed 2 nuts at the front !----There are 8 nuts to take off for the block removal.

You are correct. Thanks!! So those are now removed. And the area in the pic, that's where they separate, correct? So, with what the other poster said, I can begin to gently tap, pry that area apart?? Thanks again for your assistance!

 

[mplen2955]

ok, -so that is the correct area where they separate, correct? So if I gently, tap, pry, scrape and smack I should be able to get those two areas to come apart?

 

[racerone]

I believe the block seperates higher up ! Put the two front nuts back on with 3 / 4 threads and pry up on those 2 studs.------Should be easy.

 

[mplen2955]

I believe the block seperates higher up ! Put the two front nuts back on with 3 / 4 threads and pry up on those 2 studs.------Should be easy.

Yes, I think it does separate higher up, though I can't see where. Great idea. So I did that and I thought it worked because it looked like the powerhead raised up (and for sure the bolt did) but then I pulled it with the hoist and still no separation - the whole motor lifts up. Will keep working on it. Have any other suggestions

 

[racerone]

Suggestions ?-------------------Remove lower unit to verify that driveshaft is not stuck in the crankshaft spline.----One step at a time and this work is simple and easy.---------------You did remove the 2 nuts at the front after using them to pry up on I hope.

 

[fastjeff]

They can be quote stubborn to separate, especially if they've been together for decades.

I hang the motor from a chain fall so the wight is just off the floor, then shake the chain holding the works violently side-to-side. That usually breaks the power head loose.

Jeff

PS: Here's a neat (and cheap) way to make a power head lifter. Remove the crankshaft nut and buy a replacement from the hardward store, then weld (or get welded) a flat washer to it--see photo. Screw your lifter in place, ho0lka chain fall to it, and away you go.