Can't get Lower Unit back together

[Dellonn]

Need just a bit of help.

I have a Mercury 1500, 1977 Inline 6.

I placed the boat in forward gear, pulled the lower unit, installed the new pump, and began re-assembling. I've gotten the lower until to the point where the bolts are just flush with the bolt holes. I'd guess i'm about an inch away from having it tight. I can't see where i'm hung up anywhere. I have spun the prop counterclock wise and can watch the shaft spin, but still cannot seem to get the splines aligned to finish this up. Is there any trick i'm missing?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Can't get Lower Unit back together

Yes -- the water tube and shift shaft also need to be aligned.

 

[Dellonn]

Re: Can't get Lower Unit back together

I'm certain the shift shaft is aligned. It's already in about a 1/4" I put the water tube in first, then raised the unit up and put the bottom of the water tube onto the lower unit. I don't believe my problem is there, but I will drop it down and check again.

 

[Fuzzytbay]

Re: Can't get Lower Unit back together

It helps to have a second person, to wiggle the flywheel, to get the shaft splines to line up. Wiggling the prop is harder, since the gear ratio is higher on the prop side.