Problems re-installing lower unit

[lovnmyboat]

I just checked my waterpump and impellar '91 200efi searching another problem. When trying to reinstall my lower unit, I couldnt get into seat, I looked up into the top of the case where the drive shaft fits and there appears to be a loose collar floating around up there and with splines. This would have to be perfectly centered in order for the shaft to fit into and it moves around. Is this normal or did I break something? How would you keep that centered if it is normal. Didn't have this problem last time. Was I lucky or am I now into $$$ to fix?

 

[TampaTom]

Re: Problems re-installing lower unit

I just went through this a month ago. I think you can find my post in this forum. From looking at parts catalogues, I thought it was the lower oil seals from the crank. Ended up being a water seal coller that goes on at the end cap. Had to pull the power head to get to it. My mechanic told me I would have probably been fine if I had been able to center the seal and gotten the shaft to go through it. I felt better doing it right.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Problems re-installing lower unit

The manual says to put powerhead in neutral and also select neutral on the L/U (So the shiftshaft lines up then get someone to slowly hand turn the flywheel while you keep force upwards. It should just align itself.

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Problems re-installing lower unit

I'm not sure about this coller thing?<br /><br />I once had a 50hp merc that had a plastic round coller like thing that slipped over the end of the drive shaft. It had inner splines on it that met up with the outer splines on the driveshaft. I guess it sealed the juction, so to speak....<br /><br />Mine popped of the top of the drive shaft and I never knew it. Got stuck in the drive shaft housing somewhere and it didn't fall out until I was trying to reinstall the lower unit.... <br /><br />Is that what you are talking about... Or is this something that is fixed up there and not meant to come out?<br />What is the serial# for your motor?

 

[lovnmyboat]

Re: Problems re-installing lower unit

The collar is metal and I can see splines on the inside that would match to the driveshaft. I used a extension magnet to reach up in to move it around and it appeared to stick to it. It appears to be too big around to come out but the top of the driveshaft looks like it would fit in if you could get it lined up. The serial number on the motor is OC283602...Thanks, Larry

 

[TampaTom]

Re: Problems re-installing lower unit

Mine was metal. Looks just like an oil seal. I did not fix it myself as my powerhead was too corroded to remove on my own. I did not get to participate in the fix. I belive the seal fits into the endcap. My mech said that a lack of grease on the splines/corosion is what caused it to pull off.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Problems re-installing lower unit

Would it be viable to insert a wooded "Broomstick" type device into it to align it prior to push the L/U home ??Similar to what is used to line up the thrust bearing inside a bell housing prior to re-installing a car 4 speed manual.

 

[TampaTom]

Re: Problems re-installing lower unit

You could try that. I did not realize it was splined, which might make things more difficult. Also keep in mind that if your engine is tilted, the seal will not line up perfectly (gravity will move the seal when you remove the broom handle.) It will sit a 1/4 - 1/2 inch off center. It would need to be level. So how are you going to insert the lower unit/drive shaft if you have the engine trimmed level? Dig a three foot trench in the ground?<br /><br />My plan (before giving it to a mechanic) was undoing the 8 bolts securing the power head and lifting it a few inches using a "come along" and an oak tree branch. I quit when the back of the boat lifted off the trailer. My engine was fused with corosion. Now that it has been pulled apart, I would try it myself again. Think you need to replace gaskets at the adapter plate. Check manual.