Sportsman 4425

[JOHNK]

I’ve been getting a fair amount of water in the lower unit on my Evinrude 4425.  I have new seals for prop shaft and drive shaft, but have yet to put in due to fear of screwing something else up.  Today I decided to take the plunge.  I was going by the lower unit data bulletin, posted by hotrod (link here:  https://www.aomci.org/forums/topic/1948-evinrude-sportsman-1-5-hp-model-4425/  for anyone that would like to see) and of course nothing came apart “easy” as it says.  I’m sure the bulletin was published long enough ago that things would’ve come apart easy.  Anyway, I have it apart, with the exception of the drive shaft.  I’m “assuming” (this is where I usually break something) the shaft is stuck on the ball bearing that is held in place by a retaining ring.  I’ve flooded the shaft from gear side with Kroil and have gently tapped on the shaft (using dent puller method), but no movement.  I’m hesitant to tap very hard thinking the retaining ring, or the groove may break.

I guess after all that, my question is how to get this shaft out, and if I’m headed in the right direction.  Aside from a little gunky inside, the gears look new.

thanks

john

[PM T2]

There is a lock screw that keeps the lower unit bearing carrier in place in the housing. Look down into the cavities on the lower unit housing. The lock screw has a cap over it that unscrews with a regular screwdriver, then under the cap is the actual lock screw. Get those guys out, and the carrier should slide out. If there’s a retaining ring (i.e. circlip) still in there, it needs to come out as well. Hope this  helps.

 

Best,
PM T2

He's livin' in his own private Idaho..... I hope to go out quietly in my sleep, like my grand-dad did..... and not screaming, like the passengers in his car...

[JOHNK]

I have all that out.  It was stuck pretty good too, but eventually got it out.  The driveshaft is what’s giving me issues.  I have the bakelite thrust bearing out and the drive gear, but that’s it.  The drive shaft should pull out, but it’s being stubborn.

[JOHNK]

I decided to not change the driveshaft seal and further risk damage.  The lower unit sat upside down all night with a pool of Kroil over the shaft and bearing.  By this morning, none of the penetrating oil had made it through the bearing or shaft.  I figure if Kroil didn’t get through, then neither would water.  It’s back together and running again.  I’ll check LU oil after the next lake adventure.

[Author]

Posts