Dear Sir,

I have run into a snag when attempting lift out the motor of my 35Hp OMC sail drive in order to change the O-rings on the lower drive shaft (water is migrating up into engine cylinders) – the instructions stated that after removing the nuts from the two studs and the four bolts the motor should lift strait up from the adapter & intermediate housing assembly. In short the motor did break loose, however I could not simply lift the motor up. We have tried to lift up while gently rotating the flywheel, which made no difference. One observation is that the cylinder head and crank assembly could be tilted, approximately 3/16” to the rear, but not to the front of the cylinders, thus giving the impression that whatever is binding is located more posteriorly, possibly in line with the crank shaft.

My questions are:

1. What could be responsible for this so called simple removable procedure not working,
2. A local marine mechanic, not familiar with a sail drive OMC motor, suggested drive wedges between the housing assembly and the cylinder and crankshaft assembly.
3. Is this a wise move? That is, could this result in damaging components below the adapter assembly. If so what would you recommend.


I would greatly appreciate any advice or reference material that would aid in solving my dilemma.

Sincerely yours,

LorneYeudall
Mayne Island, BC
Canada