Lower end stuck

[Fishhuntermike]

While attempting to remove my lower ends to service the water pumps, I realized that the starboard engine lower end spline is frozen ( corroded ) up inside the engine. I tried tapping it down with a rubber mallet and a 2x6 wrapped in a towel only to crack the cavatation plate. My mechanic wants to cut through the housing and the spline to separate them. Has this happened to anyone else ? If so how did you remedy the problem ? I should mention these are 2004 Suzuki 250s. Any help is appreciated, thanks Mike.

 

[racerone]

Lower units for saltwater operation should be taken off every year to grease the splines.-------What I do is drill a hole in the skeg to attach a chain.--Then use a hydraulic puller to remove the lower unit.----Cutting these housings seems drastic and not needed in my opinion.-------Note , results will vary.

 

[Fishhuntermike]

Thanks for the quick response. I was hoping to wrap a rope around the lower end, connect one end to a come a long and the other to the frame hitch of my truck and gently tap the lower end housing while the come a long pulls downward. If I have to I will drill a hole in the skeg and pull downward. For now on part of my winterization will be to remove lower ends and grease the spline. Thanks again, I hope this works