Cant remount stern drive!!

[copelandcf]

Hey everyone,

I've been restoring my gen 1 Alpha after a burnout. Replaced the water pump and exhaust bellows, and while I had the lower off I noticed the water pocket cover was toast. So I pulled the upper and replaced that.

So now I have the lower and upper off and back together and I cannot get the stern to remount to the bellhousing. I have tried and tried and tried. I plan on taking it to the shop, but was going to ask everyone here before I officially surrender. What is wrong??? It goes in until the large black cylinder (by the u-joint) of the upper stern starts to go into the hole of the bellhousing. I tried turning the prop counterclockwise to twist the splines into place, but that didnt help. I cant even tell if the splines are the problem, but I cannot get the big cylinder into its hole.

Any help is appreciated. The only thing I haven't tried is removing the upper from the lower and just trying to remount the upper first. Might be easier but I had a helper before and we couldnt get the whole stern on for hours with two sets of hands.

Fyi, we do have everything in forward drive, and shift bar is not even making it to the slot, still needs to go in another 2-3 inches before it meets the slot and they are lined up. So that is not the problem. I do not have an alignment tool, but I would think if the stern was on there before and came off that wouldnt be the problem. But I dunno? Thanks for the help. Cavan

 

[Uraijit]

Re: Cant remount stern drive!!

First of all, did you check engine allignment?

Is transom high enough that you can put the drive back on with it perpendicular to the ground? If the drive's not perpendicular, it's very difficult to do. Sometimes you have to put something behind the gimbal ring to hold it up at the right (still has to be very slight) angle, for the drive to slide in.

Did you try giving it a good solid kick?

 

[xltier]

Re: Cant remount stern drive!!

you will need to put a alignment tool in there,the gimbal bearing is probably off center with the coupler spline on the back of the motor.only takes a whisker off.the bearing may of moved when u pulled the drive back.hth

 

[copelandcf]

Re: Cant remount stern drive!!

We tried propping the gimbal ring at various angles, none worked, all had the same result. I was under the impression straight in was best though.

I do not have an alignment tool, so I'll just take it to the shop tomorrow. Unless there are any other suggestions. Thanks for the input.

 

[Don S]

Re: Cant remount stern drive!!

We tried propping the gimbal ring at various angles, none worked,

Not a surprise, the gimbal bearing has to be in EXACT alignment with the coupler. You MUST have an alignment bar to get it right.

I do not have an alignment tool,

You might as well get one if you want to do your own repairs. One trip to the dealer will buy you an alignment bar.

 

[Uraijit]

Re: Cant remount stern drive!!

You might as well get one if you want to do your own repairs. One trip to the dealer will buy you an alignment bar.

What he said! Just buy the tool. It pays for itself the first time you use it.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Cant remount stern drive!!

I echo the need for the alignment bar - but don't forget to grease the o-ring. It can get caught in the gimbal bearing and not slide through if it is not lubricated.

 

[Uraijit]

Re: Cant remount stern drive!!

The o-ring isn't a factor for a couple more inches (right before the studs actually come through the drive.

Something, somewhere, isn't lining up.

 

[achris]

Re: Cant remount stern drive!!

oops!:redface:

 

[Uraijit]

Re: Cant remount stern drive!!

What'd you do this time, achris?

 

[newcdnboater]

Re: Cant remount stern drive!!

I had the same problem with my drive a month ago when I removed it to replace the shift cable. I see everyone talking about the alignment tool...I though you only needed the tool if the engine/coupler was disturbed. Anyway, it took 5 hours to finally get the drive back on. Makes it worse that it gets full of gear oil and is very slippery. Good luck.

 

[Uraijit]

Re: Cant remount stern drive!!

I had the same problem with my drive a month ago when I removed it to replace the shift cable. I see everyone talking about the alignment tool...I though you only needed the tool if the engine/coupler was disturbed. Anyway, it took 5 hours to finally get the drive back on. Makes it worse that it gets full of gear oil and is very slippery. Good luck.

You need the tool in order to check the alignment of the engine. You should check the alignment at least once a year. Or every time the drive is removed. Whichever is more often.

Anyway, the bearing has room to move inside the ring, so if gets bumped, it will no longer be in line with the coupler, and you'll never get the drive on...

...well, you MIGHT get it on, but it'll take you 5 hours, to do a 10 min. job, and you STILL won't know if the engine is aligned properly.

As has been stated a couple of times already, the tool pays for itself the very first time you use it.

And it's a hell of a lot cheaper than a coupler/yoke replacement!

If you own an I/O boat, and plan on ever taking the drive off, there's no good excuse for not having one. Period.