More Motor Repair Questions: Pulling Gearcase Cover?

[Carl]

I knew when I got this motor for $100 I was going to have to replace the gearcase cover. The "ears" where the bolts go thru into the lower unit are broken.
Bought a used lower unit without drive shaft, prop or water pump kit, but otherwise in good shape, this morning.
The used parts guy I bought it from recommended adding my drive shaft & water pump kit & prop to the lower unit he sold me, vs. trying to remove the good gearcase cover and moving it over to my existing lower unit. He said the ears are notorious for breaking when trying to remove the cover. And this way, I dont risk messing up the seals, which appear to be good on the one he sold me.
Ayyone out there have experience with this repair?
How hard is it to move the drive shaft from one lower unit to another?
Any thoughts from the brain trust??

 

[Ed L.]

I knew when I got this motor for $100 I was going to have to replace the gearcase cover. The "ears" where the bolts go thru into the lower unit are broken.
Bought a used lower unit without drive shaft, prop or water pump kit, but otherwise in good shape, this morning.
The used parts guy I bought it from recommended adding my drive shaft & water pump kit & prop to the lower unit he sold me, vs. trying to remove the good gearcase cover and moving it over to my existing lower unit. He said the ears are notorious for breaking when trying to remove the cover. And this way, I dont risk messing up the seals, which appear to be good on the one he sold me.
Ayyone out there have experience with this repair?
How hard is it to move the drive shaft from one lower unit to another?
Any thoughts from the brain trust??

This is where YouTube is your friend. Lots of videos on replacing the water pump in your engine. They will explain removing the drive shaft and reassembly. It's been years since I've had a 9.9 but as I recall it's a pretty simple repair. The driveshaft isn't a problem but as I recall take some measurements of the shift shaft collar. The shift rod is 2 part when disassembling and reassembling the lower unit and upper shift handle need to be in the same position when reassembling so it doesn't bind as you reassemble the lower unit. Don't try to use the bolts to get lower unit in place. That's how the ears get damaged. Good luck. Those are good little motors.