Re: Powerhead removal advice, ’79 OMC 9.9?

[Don]

quote johnyrude200:

Maybe I’m stating the obvious, but did you remove the 3 screws on the TOP side of the pan (one aft, one on each port and SB sides)? If you didn’t remove these 3 screws, that thing isn’t going to go anywhere.

There’s the 6 lower powerhead screws, then the 3 topside ones, then the shift lever, detach the fuel pump. I use a pry bar at the back side of the motor, near the rear SB side, because it’s located away from the bottom side of the powerhead where if you accidentally ‘mar’ the metal casting, it *shouldn’t* affect water/exhaust going into the wrong placed.

Everywhere else looks pretty iffy in terms of really applying a lot of force. I don’t screw around when these are stuck, either. I get a good ‘grab’ with the tip of a pry bar, and give it a good whack with a 4 lb. mallet. I haven’t had one stay stuck yet, and if the bottom side of the powerhead has any distortion, I use gasket sealant to make up the difference (but that doesn’t generally happen, at least not enough where a new exhaust housing gasket…which you’ll probably need anywhere…can’t fix).

Thanks for adding this clarification, those lower pan mount screws must be removed as well!