Merc 170 3.7L Cooling Water and Drive Question

[Pikey23]

Re: Merc 170 3.7L Cooling Water and Drive Question

If you are pulling the drive you mine as well check the alignment. The first time I pulled my drive I did not check it and had a heck of a time reinstalling it. The next time I pulled it I checked it and adjusted it as needed. Now the drive slides in nice and easy.

 

[Drewmeister]

Re: Merc 170 3.7L Cooling Water and Drive Question

Terry and Pikey, this makes ALOT more sense. So the alignment tool simulates the drive shaft from outdrive to verify alignment with the engine coupler PRIOR TO actually installing the outdrive. And Terry, you got me now, I was wondering how to make sure the splines lined up. I assume this same procedure is used when lining up the splines on the lower drive as well.

Thanks fellas. Got all parts for complete transom seal replacement. Found last night I have no tools available to remove the hinge pins (my allens only go up to 3/8"), so I ordered a hinge pin tool for that. Only around $15, plus no shipping as it is included in a larger order. Hoping to get the order delivered by tomorrow so I can work on the boat this weekend.

Drew...

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Merc 170 3.7L Cooling Water and Drive Question

Actually the clearance for the alignment tool is alittle tighter than the drive shaft into the coupler on the engine.

I've used a spare drive shaft to test the alignment, while waiting for the real tool to arrive, drive shaft went in fine but the alignment tool wouldn't hear it without adjustment to the "new" gimbal bearing I just installed.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Merc 170 3.7L Cooling Water and Drive Question

I assume this same procedure is used when lining up the splines on the lower drive as well.

Bingo! Lower shift shaft all the way CW (F), prop CCW till it locks, bungee in place, intermediate shift shaft straight ahead turn prop CCW to line up the splines. You are right Eric, going to have to write this down someplace so I can just paste it in LOL .

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Merc 170 3.7L Cooling Water and Drive Question

Bingo! Lower shift shaft all the way CW (F), prop CCW till it locks, bungee in place, intermediate shift shaft straight ahead turn prop CCW to line up the splines. You are right Eric, going to have to write this down someplace so I can just paste it in LOL .

I saved your last post on it it was very detailed and gonna save my fingers a little down the road.

 

[Drewmeister]

Re: Merc 170 3.7L Cooling Water and Drive Question

Thanks fellas. I did use this procedure to put the upper and lower together when I replaced the water pump, but was still wondering how to line up splines.

Terry, dumb question, but if the prop "locks" in CCW, how do you rotate it CCW further? I assume you mean rotate CCW till it will not move FREELY, then when you go to line up splines you have to put some pressure on it to get the shaft to turn a little?

Drew...

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Merc 170 3.7L Cooling Water and Drive Question

That's easy, with the lower in forward gear, turning the prop CCW will lock into gear. If you put some more umph into it it will turn the gears in the lower and the shaft on the top if it. Just as if the boat was moving. It doesn't actually lock the lower up, just engages the gears.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Merc 170 3.7L Cooling Water and Drive Question

That's easy, with the lower in forward gear, turning the prop CCW will lock into gear. If you put some more umph into it it will turn the gears in the lower and the shaft on the top if it. Just as if the boat was moving. It doesn't actually lock the lower up, just engages the gears.

Exactly

 

[Drewmeister]

Re: Merc 170 3.7L Cooling Water and Drive Question

Just as I thought. I think I am all set for my work, but unfortunately, my transom seal kits will not arrive until Monday. I ordered Wed, but then added stuff Thurs AM. Wish I had done this a day earlier.

BTW, anyone ever tried a Torx T-60 to remove the hinge pins? I couldn't find a 1/2" allen anywhere convenient, but got a T-60 this AM and will try this eve. Going to rework the lower drive tonight and Saturday. Hoping for good weather to work on the insides of the boat.

Drew...