Quick question on alignment shaft.

artificialreef

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 21, 2009
Messages
504
I am having a bear of a time getting my Mercruiser R drive back on. I purchased an alignment shaft and it bottoms out. I have striations all around the shaft when inserted with lube on it. Just slightly lighter on one side, almost unnoticable difference. The shaft goes in and out smooth with a little resistance. When i go to put the drive back on it feels like it is bottoming out. It doesnt even get a 1/4 inch on the threads, like the ujoint isnt even getting in the guide. I do have it in forward at the helm and on the drive. I check that they (shift linkage and drive)are lining up constantly. I am not even getting close to going on. I guess my questions are.

1 Is the resistance on the alignment shaft normal. It feels nice and snug. Good markings.
2. is there a trick to getting the ujoints to go into the guide, like i said i dont think i am even close to going in. Not even on the threads.

Thank you folks. Every time i touch this boat i gain more respect for the professionals.


1983 Tiara 26
twin 470's
hasnt seen the water since purchase 2 years ago.
 

fat fanny

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Feb 9, 2006
Messages
1,935
Re: Quick question on alignment shaft.

From my experience sometimes the shaft O-ring gives a little resistance and you could also look to make sure the u-joints aren't on a angular bind prohibitting drive to seat to the assembly. Hope this helps
 

labzman3

Seaman
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
66
Re: Quick question on alignment shaft.

It should slide right on !! Did you do anything like change gimbal bearing or such ? I just reworked mine and it slide on easily,, of course today I had to rip it back off because I put the shift shaft in wrong somehow !!! I agree on your last comment !! I've been at this for months now and still haven't crossed the finish line !!!!
 

artificialreef

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 21, 2009
Messages
504
Re: Quick question on alignment shaft.

I lubed the o rings, lubed the guide. Feels like its bottoming out and doesnt get even on a 1/4 inch on the studs. (it did go on once but the shift linkage wasnt engaged so i had to pull it back out and it never went back on, no matter how many times i turn the crank or the prop shaft)The alignment tool has a little more resistance than the video link. Doesnt go in "like butter" and 1 finger. I would say i palm it to get it in. I guess i will get to adjusting. I am amazed that it has to be that dead on. I have markings all the way around the alignment shaft. Just ever so slightly different on one side. Thank you very much for your link and experienced opinions. You folks are a godsend. I will post how i make out for those that are seeing the same all around markings on the shaft. And cant believe it has to be that dead on.
 

Alpheus

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 3, 2009
Messages
1,759
Re: Quick question on alignment shaft.

Hold the shift foot in gear and turn the prop while pushing in on the drive. Turning the prop while in gear will turn the drive shaft so the splines line up...
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Quick question on alignment shaft.

If you are just getting to the studs on the bellhousing, you aren't even close to the shift linkage.
 
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