Driveshaft O-ring keeping me from installing lower unit?

[brokenjack]

I've done all the work on my lower unit(insert joke here). I'm trying to bolt it back up. The water tube has hit it's mark, and the driveshaft has engaged the powerhead. Shift rod is in line as well. I can rotate the motor and see the prop shaft turn. I have about 3/8" to go before it bolts up but it is being met with some resistance. Feels like the new O-ring is keeping me from going the distance. How should I proceed? Is this common?

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: Driveshaft O-ring keeping me from installing lower unit?

Very common finding.
You didnt grease the top of the shaft did you?

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: Driveshaft O-ring keeping me from installing lower unit?

PS what size motor? on larger motors i find you always get resistance but bolting them up in an even pattern seats it properly

 

[brokenjack]

Re: Driveshaft O-ring keeping me from installing lower unit?

Very common finding.
You didnt grease the top of the shaft did you?

I did not grease the top.

 

[brokenjack]

Re: Driveshaft O-ring keeping me from installing lower unit?

PS what size motor? on larger motors i find you always get resistance but bolting them up in an even pattern seats it properly

1976 25HP Evinrude Model 25602. I was thinking about starting the bolts figuring that would draw it up.

 

[F_R]

Re: Driveshaft O-ring keeping me from installing lower unit?

Your 1976 25hp motor?? Are you certain it is the correct o-ring? It should slide right in. UNLESS it has been used a long time without an o-ring in place. In that case, the recess in the crankshaft may be full of rust, preventing the new o-ring from sliding in. That is often seen on salt water motors.

In any case, you are going to have to deal with it, and not ignore the situation. Too many $$$$ at stake if not a correct installation.

 

[brokenjack]

Re: Driveshaft O-ring keeping me from installing lower unit?

Your 1976 25hp motor?? Are you certain it is the correct o-ring? It should slide right in. UNLESS it has been used a long time without an o-ring in place. In that case, the recess in the crankshaft may be full of rust, preventing the new o-ring from sliding in. That is often seen on salt water motors.

In any case, you are going to have to deal with it, and not ignore the situation. Too many $$$$ at stake if not a correct installation.

I had the powerhead off and checked the crank splines. Everything looked clean. The O-ring was part number 303067.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: Driveshaft O-ring keeping me from installing lower unit?

Drop it back out, see if your orings ok, remove the oring and see if it will then install normally, if it doesnt then you must be doing something else incorrect

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: Driveshaft O-ring keeping me from installing lower unit?

You a probably thinking, "i really dont want to back this back out", but as FR says if its not done correctly then its a real stitch in time saves nine scenario.
inspecting the oring is necessary after or the jamming around/pushing too to check it hasnt split

 

[brokenjack]

Re: Driveshaft O-ring keeping me from installing lower unit?

I'll back it out. It did feel like squishy resistance which led me believe it might be the O-ring.

 

[brokenjack]

Re: Driveshaft O-ring keeping me from installing lower unit?

You a probably thinking, "i really dont want to back this back out", but as FR says if its not done correctly then its a real stitch in time saves nine scenario.
inspecting the oring is necessary after or the jamming around/pushing too to check it hasnt split

Well mystery solved. I took it back out, re-inserted, and it indeed still hung up. It was the sharp edge of the water tube catching on the new grommet in the pump housing! A little Palmolive solved the issue!

 

[boobie]

Re: Driveshaft O-ring keeping me from installing lower unit?

Good job............. It's the little things that will always get you.