Please help

[Traviswh]

New to boats and have a problem. 1986 volvo penta 280. I pulled the upper unit to replace ujoints and bellows. I'm trying to put back together but the input shaft (ujoints) won't turn. It turns a small amount then hits something and will not turn anymore. I removed the back shifter plate but nothing else was taken apart. When I shift it turns the direction that the vertical shaft TRIES to turn. What am I doing wrong? I really want to take the kids on the water this weekend. Any help from more experienced people would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Pesimist]

Are you saying you've got the drive shaft & upper unit installed. If so, the drive shaft will not turn because it's connected to the engine. If your trying to reinstall, sounds like your shaft may be sagging causing the ujoiunts to bind.

 

[dennis461]

Engine size? If you have a 4-cylinder, you should be able to rotate the prop and turn the engine(rotate the flywheel).
You posted everything else turns, so what does this mean? Does the engine rotate? does the prop rotate? Does it tilt full up and down

 

[dennis461]

Engine size? If you have a 4-cylinder, you should be able to rotate the prop and turn the engine(rotate the flywheel).
You posted everything else turns, so what does this mean? Does the engine rotate? does the prop rotate? Does it tilt full up and down?
The instructions need to followed exactly putting the shift mechanism back in. I'd start there.