Engine coupler woes

[flashback]

I removed the gimbal housing today and got a bit deeper, I can't find any splines on the coupler. This boat is becoming more and more discouraging. I suspect I know the answer but just thought I would ask. Can a coupler be swapped while the engine is in the boat? I don't have the equipment or location to do an engine removal. Currently working on the side of the road in a circle in front of my cabin.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Ya need a Ft. or more access behind the motor to change the coupler,....
'n that's a bare minimum, if there isn't more "Boat" in the way,.....

Build a bridge from gunnel, to gunnel for a lift point,......

 

[Nextelbuddy]

The splines don't start for the first 1-2 inches of the coupler.

Like Bondo said it's all about space and if there's a transom in the way it's going to be hard.

Here's a pic of my engine with the coupler on and a closed up showing there are no splines visible for first few inches.

 

[flashback]

Ayuh,..... Ya need a Ft. or more access behind the motor to change the coupler,....
'n that's a bare minimum, if there isn't more "Boat" in the way,.....

Build a bridge from gunnel, to gunnel for a lift point,......

I was afraid that would be the case. 20 years ago I swapped out the motor in my 79 chris craft and you were there in spirit... back then I had a place to work and I rented a cherry picker to pull the engine. but just not sure I am up to that these days. I need to study it a bit more. I actually got it to the launch ramp on it's own power but just at idle so the drive was working.

 

[flashback]

The splines don't start for the first 1-2 inches of the coupler.

Like Bondo said it's all about space and if there's a transom in the way it's going to be hard.

Here's a pic of my engine with the coupler on and a closed up showing there are no splines visible for first few inches.

View attachment 345599

View attachment 345600

Thanks for the photo, I didn't know the splines didn't run the entire length, It gives me hope that it still may have splines in it. Like I said in my previous post once I got the engine running I was able to get the boat to the ramp but I didn't push it...

 

[1960 Starflite]

My coupler sheared on lake. Same effect. Would move in gear at idle only

 

[Electrician88]

Does this make a loud schreech

 

[Electrician88]

My coupler sheared on lake. Same effect. Would move in gear at idle only

Did it make a loud schreech when you idle up

 

[1960 Starflite]

Did it make a loud schreech when you idle up

I don't remember, been over 10 years ago. I do remember moving front mount to align test bar.

 

[flashback]

Thankfully a false alarm, I have a hunting friend who loaned me his bore scope and I have plenty of splines and they all have flat tops. The gimbal bearing was so trashed that paranoia set in. I have some high pressure moly graph grease which I use on my lift gear which seems like a good choice for the splines.