putting a lower unit

[TheFlyingNun]

OK guys,<br /><br />I have the lower unit all repaired.<br />Now I can't get it back on all the way.<br />1/2 inch gap.<br />I don't the shaft splines are lining up with motor.<br /><br />What is the trick to do this?<br />How do I put it in gear(it's in nuteral right now) without damaning the splines on the shifter post?<br /><br />And suggestions?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />TFN

 

[DJ]

Re: putting a lower unit

What kind of engine is it?

 

[TheFlyingNun]

Re: putting a lower unit

It's a Merc Black Max 150 V6, 1991<br />Real good motor until I burned up the impeller!<br />Fast and reliable.<br />Give me the Dunce CAP award!

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: putting a lower unit

Well on my Merc 500 its just a matter of gruntin and cussing and trying again and again until the shift shaft splines marry up. Sometimes it helps to dab a little grease on top of driveshaft and shift shaft. That the joy of workin on a Merc.

 

[RandyJ]

Re: putting a lower unit

If it is the driveshaft not lining up try giving the fly wheel a little turn while picking up enough on the lower unit to engage the splines. Too, I've had several occassions to have difficulty getting the waterpump tube properly inserted in the waterpump housing. Juggling these two while trying to get shift shaft aligned is particularly aggrivating. Sometimes it helps to give the prop a little turn. This tends to nudge the shift shaft a little and sometimes this is just enough to get it to slip into place.

 

[sho305]

Re: putting a lower unit

It was a wiggle-&-giggle deal every time I have done it too. Never crank it down with the bolts. You need to move things around until you hit it right. Had a '74 80hp and the copper water tube would bend everytime I tried it. Had to straighten it about 8 times. Run like a top when done, after using up all my swear words 3 or 4 times.