Stuck Putting on Sterndrive Merc 888 MC1

xeke123

Cadet
Joined
Jan 31, 2015
Messages
9
Mercruiser 888, MC1 Sterndrive

All was going well today... Replaced the gimbal bearing, all bellows and shift cable today and when attaching the sterndrive, got stuck... From what I have found on this site, seems I got grease on the drive shaft o-rings (most likely spline grease from trying to get the ujoints and shaft situated multiple times) and am stuck at the 1 inch to go mark in getting the sterndrive back on. Prior to sliding in the drive, I did check alignment with alignment tool, made sure the shift lever is in forward and adjusted the prop. Got the the one inch to go mark.. and... well... you know how the story goes... I even attempted to use the size 12 merc-kick tool to no avail.


In attempting to remove the sterndrive, I did as suggested by first raising the engine and allowing it to "drop" in an attempt to set it free, but again, to no avail. Tried placing a soft 2x4 under the lifted unit, but no luck getting it to release.

Any other suggestions?
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,446
If the engine alignment was correct and the tool slid in and out with just finger pressure and the grease witness marks were correct and if the shift shoes were in a straight line the drive will drop right on.Depending on how hard you kicked it, usually dropping in on a 2 x 4 does work. Sometimes a 1 inch pipe works too. Worst case , install the rams, insert a piece of wood between the top of the drive and the transom, hit the trim button and WORK THE DRIVE OFF
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,290
Ayuh,..... At the 1 inch point, ya gotta crawl under, 'n Look to see that the shift shoe, 'n foot are aligned,....

If so, the o-rings are probably hangin' on the gimbel bearin',....

Ya did grease the shaft, 'n o-rings, Right,..??
 

xeke123

Cadet
Joined
Jan 31, 2015
Messages
9
Thanks Bondo and Bt Doctur! Was able to get the drive off today via installing the rams and raising the trim... Once off, re-checked alignment, re-greased the shaft and o-rings, double checked the shoe and foot and it slid right in!!

Really appreciate the help gentleman. THANK YOU!
 
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