I am attempting to replace the impeller in a 2003 Yamaha 70 TLRB for the first time. I have the kit and instructions. I am fairly mechanical so I was was pretty confident until a recent post showed busted off bolts doing the same job. That made me nervous. I know you can’t eliminate totally, the possibility of that happening but, any useful tips on how I might reduce the chance of this happening would be appreciated.
Also, what type of grease do I need to use on the shaft and other parts?
Thanks!
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Is this the first time in 11 years that the lower unit has been off? Good luck with that. Slow and easy.
I would first try a wrench and easy reasonable pressure to see what happens. Take it slow and easy, don’t force it too much. If that doesn’t loosen them use a air impact wrench on a low torque setting to start with. The impacts will often break them loose. Then remove them slowly. If that doesn’t work, a propane torch on the housing around the bolts will swell the aluminum, then impact wrench again.
There is a hidden bolt under the trim tab that has to be removed (some people don’t know this, you probably do). Take out the rubber plug on top of the foot and remove the tab bolt to access it.
Any good marine grade grease, same as for a steering cable or grease fittings
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Not the first time ever, just the first time for me. Thanks Larry, this was what I was looking for. Never seize on the bolts when I put them back in or any marine grease?
You are one of the CF members that has a wealth of expertise and don’t mind sharing. Thank again.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Not the first time ever, just the first time for me. Thanks Larry, this was what I was looking for. Never seize on the bolts when I put them back in or any marine grease?
You are one of the CF members that has a wealth of expertise and don’t mind sharing. Thank again.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Do not use never seize. Only use marine grease. Usually the worst part of the job is getting the shafts to line back up when you put it back together.
Everybody says do not use anti-seize, but I never had a problem using it. I change my water pump every-other year and my motor sees more fresh water than salt so that may be why I never had a problem with the anti-seize. However; any good lithium based grease should work just fine. As for aligning the shaft, make a mark down the shaft and onto the top of the impeller housing, that way it’s in the same position when you get ready to reinsert the lower unit. It can be a pita trying to align the splines while you’re holding the lower unit up by yourself.
You say that you’re fairly mechanical so you should be fine. It’s easier than you think.
Got it, thanks Fin, you are another one always willing to share.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
I try to give back where I can, Lord knows I’ve got some very useful info off of this site. One other thing to do while you have your tools out is to pull the prop off and grease the prop shaft. Also when you get it back together, don’t freak out if it won’t go back into gear in either forward or reverse. If that happens, have someone turn the prop (with the engine off) while you try to shift it and then it should work. The gear sets are not synchronized and will not mesh sometimes if the gears aren’t aligned just right. You won’t have any problems while it’s running, but you need to check it before you crank it up.
Doug if I can do it you can do it. Its no big deal, as long as your lower unit bolts come off. The biggest issue is the key pin that Cracker mentioned, and that should not be too difficult.
Yeah, not worried about the actual replacement, more the bolts breaking. Never even crossed my mind until I saw the recent post about that. I’ll keep y’all posted.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
