LOWER UNIT

[bzz]

I AM REPLACING THE WATER PUMP IN MY 1999 FORCE 120. WHEN INSTALLING,I HAVE ABOUT 1/2 INCH GAP. THE LOWER UNIT WONT SEAL W/ THE REST OF THE ENGINE. SHOULD I JUST TIGHTEN THE BOLTS? IS THIS TOO MUCH SPACE? WHEN REMOVING I HAD TO BANG A LITTLE TO GET IT OFF. THERE IS NO REFERENCE IN THE BOOK. CAN YOU HELP? THANKS.

 

[roscoe]

Re: LOWER UNIT

No, don't tighten it.
Something is not aligned.

Either the driveshaft, water tube, or shift rod is not lined up.

Slowly rotate the flywheel (clockwise) and make sure the driveshaft is seated in the crankshaft.

 

[bzz]

Re: LOWER UNIT

No, don't tighten it.
Something is not aligned.

Either the driveshaft, water tube, or shift rod is not lined up.

Slowly rotate the flywheel (clockwise) and make sure the driveshaft is seated in the crankshaft.

 

[bzz]

Re: LOWER UNIT

IM TURNING THE FLYWHEEL AND SAME RESULT. DID I MISS SOMETHING?AT SOME POINT IT SEEMS THE SHAFT IS SEATED, BUT IT IS STILL ABOOT 1/4-3/8 FROM THE ENGINE.SHOULD IT BE TOUCHING?

 

[steelespike]

Re: LOWER UNIT

On some motors if you put too much grease on the driveshaft spline it cant slide together with the crank.

 

[bzz]

Re: LOWER UNIT

I CAN FEEL EVERYTHING COME TOGETHER WHEN TURNING THE FLYWHEEL. THEN IT GETS TO ABOUT 3/8 INCH AND NO CLOSER. SHOULD IT TOUCH WITH THE ENGINE? IS 3/8 CLOSE ENOUGH TO START TO TIGHTEN THE BOLTS? WILL THIS DAMAGE ANYTHING?

 

[roscoe]

Re: LOWER UNIT

I would drop the unit and check the end of the driveshaft for grease.
There should be NO grease on the end.
Only a little grease on the sides.

If it is has grease on the end, and you force it, it can/will damage things in either the gearcase or the powerhead.

If you check it, and the end is grease free, go ahead and try again.
Hopefully it will slide together a bit more.

Then, try tightening the bolts.

 

[bzz]

Re: LOWER UNIT

I would drop the unit and check the end of the driveshaft for grease.
There should be NO grease on the end.
Only a little grease on the sides.

If it is has grease on the end, and you force it, it can/will damage things in either the gearcase or the powerhead.

If you check it, and the end is grease free, go ahead and try again.
Hopefully it will slide together a bit more.

Then, try tightening the bolts.

THERE IS NO GREASE AT ALL AND NO SIGN OF GREASE. IT SEEMS THIS IS WHAT I HAD TO DO BEFORE.IF I CAN SHIFT IT INTO GEAR AND IT ENGAGES BOTH FORWARD AND REVERSE, SHOULDNT IT BE OK TO TIGHTEN? THANKS FOR ALL YOUR INSIGHT.

 

[bzz]

Re: LOWER UNIT

THERE IS NO GREASE. IF I CAN SHIFT IT INTO GEAR BOTH FORWARD AND REVERSE, SHOULDNT IT BE OK TO TIGHTEN THE BOLTS? THANKS FOR ALL YOUR INSIGHT

 

[roscoe]

Re: LOWER UNIT

If you double checked everything, I guess you have no choice but to tighten it up.

Some units go on that way, just didn't want you to crush the water tube, or worse.

Happy Boating.

 

[bzz]

Re: LOWER UNIT

EVERTHING WENT TOGETHER GREAT. THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE.