Trouble mounting mercruiser outdrive lower unit (wont go int0 gear)

[mduffy]

I am putting my mercruiser outdrive lower unit on and have got it on twice and it won't go into gear. I have had this trouble before and after several attempts get it right. Is there some trick to this that I'm missing. I align bolts, water tube, and shift control splined shaft to splined collar. I have controls at helm in forward and turned the splined shaft on lower unit clockwise (also is there a tool available for turning this splined shaft I am reluctant to use pliers or anything that might damage splines). Any help would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks<br />MarkD

 

[a.d.mobile]

Re: Trouble mounting mercruiser outdrive lower unit (wont go int0 gear)

1st Q is there a o-ring at the top of drive shaft? have you looked up in the hole where drive shaft goes and made sure there is no old o-ring? are you turning the prop counterclock wise when pushing up on lower unit? dont forget the oil passage little square cut o-ring on lower case. and the flat washer over the spline shaft.

 

[mduffy]

Re: Trouble mounting mercruiser outdrive lower unit (wont go int0 gear)

Yes oring is on end of drive shaft, also small oring to seal gear lube hole between upper and lower is on and flat rubber washer on drive shaft up against water pump is also on. I haven't been turning the prop counter clockwise I'll try that.<br />Thanks

 

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Re: Trouble mounting mercruiser outdrive lower unit (wont go int0 gear)

look up in the upper housing I bet the old o-ring is in the upper shaft still blocking drive shaft from going in...