Question about coupler

T

thunderroad

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 19, 2005
Messages
417
I see topics about coupler failure and have gotten curious..mine hasn't given any indication of failing but I'd like to get a little more familiar with it. I can't find a picture in my manual that shows it. I've looked online a few places but still haven't found anything. I'd like to see an exploded view of the area. Anyone know where I can look? Is there any kind of preventive maintenance I should be doing?<br />Boat is a 69 Formula w/160 Mercruiser.<br />thanks
 
G

gspig

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 7, 2004
Messages
409
Re: Question about coupler

Just replaced the coupler on my '72 165 mercruiser. Only real preventative maintenance is to keep the engine/gimbal bearing alignment and use spline grease on the outdrive driveshaft. To get to the coupler, you will have to pull the engine. One your engine, you will have to support the engine on the oil pan because the rear engine mounts and lift ring have to come off. There is also a cover over the lower half of the flywheel that comes off. Although it sounds like a big job, I was able to replace mine in about 3-4 hours.<br /><br />There are no symptoms of a weak coupler, it will just fail. My coupler acted like a spun prop, so I wasn't really stranded, I just couldn't move quickly. There is also the standard smell of burned rubber.
 
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