lower unit to upper unit installation

[samski30]

For mercruiser stern drives about 1988..I just put the lower back onto the upper unit (upper already attached to the boat) had a little trouble lining up the bar that comes from the upper to the lower to adjust drive/neutral/reverse---what is the easiest way to check that they are lined up correctly---had boat in drive and lower unit turned to drive setting when I put them together---Is that right? And is there a way to check if it is done properly without filling with grease and taking to water to find out there is a problem?

 

[dukebrown]

Re: lower unit to upper unit installation

1. Shift into forward
2. Prop should turn on way but not the other
3. Shift into neutral
4. Prop should turn either way
5. Shift into reverse
6. Prop should turn on way but not the other(will turn the opposite way it turned in forward gear)

 

[stonyloam]

Re: lower unit to upper unit installation

the intermediate shaft should fit closely into the upper shift shaft in the bellhousing. Both should be pointing straight ahead.

Shifter control handle should move freely over entire range, F to N to R

For a right hand drive: Shove all the way into F, prop will turn freely clockwise, lock CCW, spin both ways in N, spin freely CCW in R and lock CW. It may click a little when it turns freely. If that isOK should be good to go.