when to rebuild a lower unit

[fstalfire]

I just got an '89 300 sundancer.....i'm replacing the water pump and impeller in the mercruiser outdrive, i have the unit split and am putting the new parts in and while in gear, i can barely get the lower unit to turn in either direction when in gear...it spins free in neutral but in gear i really have to bear down on it to get it to move...seems like a bearing may be wiped out but not sure.....should i attempt to rebuild this this or find another lower unit?

 

[BlewByYou88]

If the impeller kit is installed and you are trying to turn the pinion or prop shaft with the shifter engaged, it will be hard to turn due to the friction of the impeller. How did the oil and magnet look when you drained it?

 

[CliffA]

i am assuming you have an Alpha drive.....you did not state which drive you have in your original post....i understand that rebuilding an Alpha drive requires some specialized tools so keep that in mind in your decision making process...if you don't have access to these tools by the time you buy them you may could just buy a new lower unit for the same outlay of money....

maybe you can find a rebuilt lower unit or a good used one to help with the cost if that is a concern...

cliff