Lower end removal

[Johnny B]

I have a Honda 25 HP four-stroke that has a damaged skeg. I would like to remove the lower end unit and have it repaired.

Has anyone ever removed one from this type of motor?

Are they easy or difficult?

[Rost]

Johnny,

Removing the lower unit off your motor is about as simple as it gets. It's only a matter of 5 bolts on my motor.

There are a few rules to follow though. First, make sure you have a secure hold on the unit before you take the last bolt out. A 25 hp probably won't be too heavy to slide out, but be ready, just in case.

Secondly, shift your motor into reverse before removing the lower unit. DO NOT move your shifter until you have the lower unit back in. Otherwise, you'll have a confusing mess trying to line your gears up again.

Lastly, change your impeller (water pump) while you have the unit out. Might as well, it's right there and easy to install.

[Umma Gumma]

Rost,

Are the instructions provided specific to this Honda, or is the procedure the same for other outboards too? I have a 125 Merc that I want to change the impeller on. I'm mechanically inclined, but a little bit intimidated by my outboard. Is it that simple with my Merc, too, do you know?

Thanks for the info.

[Valv]

It is not very difficult but beware of the hidden bolts.

Mercury has a bolt underneath the anode fin (small gray vertical fin at end of motor) you have to remove it, there's a bolt underneath it you will have to remove, or lower unit will not come off.

Leave one of the "center" bolts for last, so you can prepare yourself to drop it, and be careful, it's heavy and might come off all of a sudden. I would remove all bolts, leave 1 from center half way in and wiggle lower unit unti you see it drops, then remove last bolt while holding unit.

Keep your motor tilted up a ways, since they have a long driveshaft that has to clear, if you keep motor completely "down" you will not have enough room.

When opening water pump remember the way impeller is "rotated" inside, and put new one the same way, it might hel maybe a little soapy water or vaseline, to help lubricate.

Don't tighten nuts too much or you will crack pump plastic housing, you have to torque them correctly, a good manual will help you a lot.

It is not very tough, once you discovered where all the bolts are, and you've done once, it will be easier every time.

Mercury, Evinrude, and all other have almost same bolt patterns, but I don't remember if the small Honda 25hp has the one under fin, you'll have to check it out.

If it doesn't come off, absolutely DON'T try to pry with bars, scredrivers, etc. it's aluminum and it gets dmaged easily, just take a break and check ALL bolts are off

[efgh]

S ome times it is a bugger to line the drive shaft back up to the top hub if the drive shaft wiggles a little in the gear case, leave the motor in foward or reverse, when you put the lower unit back on turn the prop to aline the drive shaft.

[Rost]

I have changed an impeller on a 75 hp Merc and a 115 merc. Both the exact same. So I would assume your 125 wouldn't be any different. Once you get the lower unit off, it's easy.

I would definately recommend inviting a buddy over for some help. (Usually a few beers will get them interested.) It can be difficult reinstall the lower unit without someone there to help lift and hold. Have a few blocks of wood handy to place under the skag also. This way you won't be dinging it on the cement.

Once you change your first impeller, you'll wonder why you ever paid $100 for someone else to do it!

[Johnny B]

Thanks for the info!

Pulled the unit over the weekend and as predicted it was not a very big deal.

There was one minor hidden connection as Valv forewarned.

Reassembly should be a piece of cake!

Thanks again.