Pulling in the Mercruiser 165 drive.

[marvinjansen]

I just installed a MC 165 drive for the first time. I had already aligned with the alignment bar. Went in an inch or so and then required more push than I have. I got my tie down strap and use it to apply a little pressure and it went right in.

 

[Don S]

Re: Pulling in the Mercruiser 165 drive.

Like you ujoint that didn't fit, you really should have found out why, not just force things together. That seldom works out.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Pulling in the Mercruiser 165 drive.

all i can add is that the drive sure does like to be perfectly lined up with the bell housing. when that happens, the drive easy slides on. i've also had the shift slide tilt a little and bind prohibiting installation. usually i have to give the prop a little spin too to help line up the drive shaft and coupler spines. a bit of grease on the orings on the drive shaft helps too. usually mine just slides on though i did have to give mine a kick once when i was up to the orings and couldn't get it any further. wasn't a big kick though.
best thing i've seen is that if the drive is perfectly lined up with the bell housing. then i got a pretty good chance of it mating.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Pulling in the Mercruiser 165 drive.

Went in an inch or so and then required more push than I have. I got my tie down strap and use it to apply a little pressure and it went right in.

You mean the last inch or so was tough? It often gets tight where the o-ring hits the gimbal bearing. It usually requires a "kick" with a size 11 shoe. (Size 11 give or take. Anything smaller than a 9 may be tricky. ) Be sure you lubed the o ring. If it was tight all the rest of the way.... then I would be concerned.

 

[marvinjansen]

Re: Pulling in the Mercruiser 165 drive.

Only wear a size 10 shoe, needed a little more. Didn't have to pull much on the strap rachet, just a little. Went for a ride and it did great. Probable went 20 or so miles up the lake and back. Nice ride. Checked when I got home and a little water came out the drive drain, maybe a table spoon or two. Level at the top was ok so I think my used upper isn't running lube into the bellows like the old one. I "tapped" in a new seal in the upper lower drive shaft.
The ujoint fit in and is aligned, all the clips went in and it was aligned. the problem was the cup protruding out too far, maybe 1/8" more than the old ones. I am confident it will work after modifying it.
Thanks again for all the advice. Sure was fun to have it on the water!

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Pulling in the Mercruiser 165 drive.

Hope your next tread is not... Boat quit moving and I smell burnt rubber... Coupler failure happens from poor alignment.. Your description of the alignment caught my attention.. There are a couple of videos of proper alignment on you tube here is a good one.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYwnK8mjHdw
this one is nice... Notice the butter reference
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdCitsa_QIE