lower unit help

[jt77029]

I have a 1980 120 mercruiser. I changed the impeller and am having problems putting the lower unit back on. Everything seems to line up right but the shift shaft does not seem to be lining properly. I have locked the lower unit in forward gear and put the boat in forward gear like the manual says but it still doesn't seem to line. The upper shift shaft is kind of loose. I can move it up or down, the position of the upper shaft does not seem to matter. I can get the main drive shaft engaged but only 3/4 of an inch from the two matting up. Holding it is the shift shaft. This is the first that I have tried to do, any help would be appreciated.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: lower unit help

Are we referring to the entire drive or did you remove the upper & not the lower????......​

 

[jt77029]

Re: lower unit help

I pulled the lower unit off, not the whole drive. Just the gear box

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: lower unit help

Ok, do not force it, when it is right it will slide together easily!.....
While turning the propshaft ccw, you must turn the shift shaft cw & make sure it is fully engaged, & hold it there......
Make sure that the white water tube guide is aligned, (sounds like you do)....
The only thing that is holding you back is the lower shift shaft engaging the intermediate shift shaft......
If you have an assistant, you can have him move the throttle ever slow slightly towards neutral......
The amount to engage the splines in very small.....
Try it without moving the throttle first......
If your assistant has small enough fingers, you can have them wiggle the intermediate a little.....
See, women can come in handy, now & then!......​

 

[jt77029]

Re: lower unit help

Thank You, excatly what I was looking for. I will try tomorrow after work and let you know if I got it