Help-Stuck Prop Shaft Holder on Honda 9.9

[BrianW]

For my first time, I'm changing out the impeller on my 2001 Honda 9.9. I'm following the brief instructions from the Shop Manual. Early on, I'm running into my first difficulty. After removing the prop, and then removing the 2 flange bolts on the propeller shaft holder. The prop shaft holder is stuck! The Shop Manual says, "using a screw driver, remove the propeller shaft holder assembly with care not to damage the gear case". The manual shows this in a diagram using a cloth between the prop holder and the screwdriver. The holder has two small slots to insert the screwdriver. I've tried not-so-gentle prying and moderate tapping of the screwdriver the with a hammer. It's still stuck! Do any of you have any suggestions for getting the &*$@ thing off without causing any damage? I'm giving myself a "time out" since I'm frustrated and don't want to get overly aggressive with it. Thanks for any suggestions in advance. I think I'll drink a "cool one" (or two) and wait for your suggestions. Thanks, BrianW

 

[RobertLangdirect]

. Thanks for any suggestions in advance. I think I'll drink a "cool one" (or two) and wait for your suggestions. Thanks, BrianW

Don't drink anymore. I am about to suggest that you DRIVE THIS OVER TO THE DEALERSHIP to have them open it. Then, continue your work.

My experience is, the dealer was happy to help. Charge a most nominal fee, was welcomed more as I bought a few parts there too.

Robert

 

[MrBill_FLL]

pics would help.

are you trying to remove the large washer behind the prop? or the large circle nuts that contains the gears?

every OB I had, you don't need to remove the prop to get to the impeller. (but I've never worked on a honda OB).

normally, you remove the prop to lube it at least once a year (woops!)

normally you drop the lower unit and there's a shift rod (screw or bolt) and that's the bit*h.

pics pls.... (btw impellers are an ANNUAL maintenance item...) you are lucky!

 

[BrianW]

Attached is a photo. Mr. Bill, I'm trying to remove the outer ring-loooking part in the photo on the right where the prop shaft first enters the lower unit. I've already removed the castle nut & washer, propeller, and thrust washer. The Shop Manual says to remove:
- Propeller (all of the above parts)
- Propeller shaft holder
- Gear case assembly
- Extension separator (on XL shaft)

If anyone with a Honda 9.9 could confirm whether this part needs to be removed, I'd certainly appreciate it.

Robert, I stopped with just one beer! If all else fails, I'm taking it to the Honda dealer, but I want to give it a try first.

 

[Manny]

Stop-Don't remove the bearing carrier

Absolutely no reason to do what your doing. The water pump is mounted on the top of the lower end casting. You need to disconnect the trans linkage and then remove the 4 or 5 bolts holding the lower end. Once you slide the lower end down you'll see the water pump, it's a black plastic housing with the driveshaft going through it. I'll try and post pics tonight.

M

 

[Manny]

Some pics

As promised

First pic shows water pump housing (the black plastic part)
Second is the outboard with the lower end removed (arrow pointing to where to disconnect the shift lever)
Third is close up of shift lever bolt (arrow marks the spot)
Fourth is of the housing removed
Fifth is of the parts under the housing, the impeller is inside the round bearing looking part

M

 

[BrianW]

Manny.... many thanks for your help. Based on your earlier post, I immediately abandoned my quest to destroy my bearing carrier (prop shaft holder). This is exactly what I needed! Thanks again. BrianW

 

[Manny]

Manny.... many thanks for your help. Based on your earlier post, I immediately abandoned my quest to destroy my bearing carrier (prop shaft holder). This is exactly what I needed! Thanks again. BrianW

Your welcome. You wouldn't have destroyed it but you would have chipped a lot of paint getting it off which could make those areas more prone to corrosion. The other problem is getting it back together, most of it comes out in one piece but it will leave a gear, a spring, a bearing and a pin inside that could easily be lost or not set back properly. Not to mention all the oil would run out if you hadn't drained it already. Attached is a picture of the carrier with the shaft and all the other components. The circled area is what would stay inside the lower end. It cant be removed easily without removing the drive shaft and gear.

M