I just got a '98 450ES for a song and dance, the motor is locked up from having gone for a swim. I am trying to pull the motor now, but cannot seem to get the front driveshaft disconnected. The collar on the engine output shaft slides forward, but not enough to disengage the shaft. It looks like once I get the front driveshaft out of the way I can slide the engine forward to disconnect the rear shaft and pull the engine out. What else do I need to do?
Thanks in advance.

 

I don't have my manual in front of me, so here's a guess. I'm thinking that the propeller shaft between the engine and the front differential may have telescoping couplers (or collars) on each end. If not, I would suggest removing the front differential. Good Luck.


Texridr

 

You "definitely" have to pull the front differential out to remove the front drive shaft! Trust me on this one!!! I have the same manual that the dealer uses to repair the honda 450 es, and i put a locker in mine, and that's the only to get it out!!! hope this helps

 

I have pulled the motor out of a 450 S without removing the front differential. I dont know if there are any clearance issues on the ES that would stop you or not. It was a little tricky however and it did require two of us to manuever it around enough to get it out. Putting it back in was also a little tough too. Patience is the key .....

 

Well, I got it out. Had to unbolt the front diff. then there was enough clearance to move the shaft forward to disengage from the engine output shaft. The key is that the shaft wants to come apart, but not quite enough to get it out, you have to remove the driveshaft collar on the engine output shaft that is spring loaded (compressing the drive shaft), but a little patience and the collar slides off the output shaft (watch out for that spring though!)