Mercury 9.8 Thrust Washer

[Tedd]

I'm overhauling a 1980 Mercury 9.8 that I got for free from a neighbour. I made a tool to remove the thrust washer on the prop shaft (see photo). Before I apply more torque than I already have I want to double check that I'm doing this right. The thrust washer should just unthread, right? And it's right hand thread? I expected to be able to remove it easily with this tool and a strap wrench, but I've applied quite a bit of torque already and it hasn't budged. (It has already been sitting for several days with penetrating oil on it.)

 

[ggrizzard]

I'm not sure, but it might be left hand threaded. If that's true.you should turn it clockwise to loosen. Can you call a dealer?

 

[Tedd]

You're right. On closer examination of the thread that's showing I can see that it is left-handed. I still can't get the washer to budge, though. I'm going to have to figure out a way to connect an impact wrench to it.

 

[ggrizzard]

More PB Blaster!

 

[uncledom]

heat. There is a seal close behind so don't over do it but heat helps everything move relative to the adjacent part, in this case the prop shaft.