Not an Engine Question but an outdrive?

[Donnyz1]

Hi me and my son had to remove the lower unit on our 1986 merCruiser alpha 1. 260 to replace the impeller. We had a slight overheating issue. So after we find a few things that needs some work. We are left with a shifting issue. We replaced the shift shaft bushing and a couple of other things . Now we believe we found another problem. The brass intermediate shift shaft looks worn and the grooves the gear goes into also are worn out.
so we’re down to replacement of that. We have the lower unit off. Looks like no way to change it unless we also remove the upper unit. So with that said I can’t find anything showing that procedure?
We have looked in our merc book? Nothing shows it? Can’t seem to find it on the net either??? So the boat shop is 3to4 weeks out! Some help would be appreciated I will post a picture of the part. Thanks Don

 

[Grub54891]

Did you just remove the lower half? Usually removing the entire drive is easier. You have to put the shifter in to full forward to remove and replace the drive. The shoe in your pic isn't straight forward, so that might be your issue.

 

[mr 88]

Along with this ^ there should be 6 nuts on the back of the upper unit , they come off and the upper unit slides out . When putting it back on the shift cable's semi H shaped end must be put over the shift shaft lever or it wont go in or work. Take your time when you remove it and observe that mechanism . Should be on the starboard side if memory serves me correctly. If you move the drive shaft thye splines may not line up with the coupler when you go to put it back in . You can either move the flywheel a smidgen or the prop to get it to line up and slide in easy.

 

[jbcurt00]

Please dont post multiple topics about the same subject..

Other 2 duplicate topics were deleted

 

[QBhoy]

As said. Defo the norm and much easier to remove the whole drive together. But that probably isn’t helping you any now and afterwards.
Wouldn’t normally suggest such a thing...but YouTube might give you a basic idea of such a thing...can’t believe I’ve said this...but probably not a bad idea for you to look at.
if it makes you feel any better, it’s quite common for guys that haven’t done this before, to learn similar mistakes like you have now. If you haven’t left the thing in forward gear and don’t make sure the gear linkage alignment is going into place. Can be tricky.

 

[Grub54891]

On a side note, the splines on the shoe and shaft are not a real snug fit. Its close but slides on rather easily.

 

[Donnyz1]

Thanks for the reply guys. I’m aware of how to remove the drive, upper and lower. I’m also aware of putting the drive in forward and how to rotate the prop when putting it back together. The pictures are of the part (so you could know exactly what I’m referring to.) Not of my unit. So the question is any help, links etc? On how to change out that part? Thanks Don

 

[Donnyz1]

Please dont post multiple topics about the same subject..

Other 2 duplicate topics were deleted

Sorry. First timer. Just looking for a quick answer. as we will be trying to do it today.