Coupler Damaged?

[jhvsmiller]

I just installed a new coupler in my '73 merc 888. The allignment tool went in easily, but i had to use a 2x4 and a tap with a sledgehammer to reinstall the outdrive. After about 20 minutes running, I am smelling burning rubber. Is it possible I damaged the new coupler with my caveman antics? The drive also seems to growl a little under load. Any ideas or solutions would be appreciated?

 

[Boatwizard]

Re: Coupler Damaged?

Only three reasons for a couple to fail.<br />1 Lack of grease on splines- the splines strip out.<br />2 Engine out of line- rubber torn up.<br />3 Drive trying to lock up, spline torn loose from rubber.<br /><br />Take the drive off and make sure the drive turns OK. Check the oil and take the top cap off and look at the upper gear set. Check to make sure the motor mounting points have good wood and aren't soft. Make sure you put the washers and springs back under the rear mounts. Recheck alignment.<br />If you can't kick a drive on with your foot with one or two licks, it's not lined up. (I'll catch heck for that line, like others never did it) And that's with an old worn pointy spline.<br />With a new coupler, it should slide on perfectly.

 

[jhvsmiller]

Re: Coupler Damaged?

Thanks for the reply. This Forum is an awesome resource. The old coupler that I replaced had torn rubber. The splines were fine. I will follow your suggestions and report back.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Coupler Damaged?

You do know that sometimes you need to turn the propshaft ccw to align the splines on the input shaft with the splines on the coupler?<br />Do what BW says....<br />Did it overheat?<br />......JK

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Coupler Damaged?

Re:boatwizard<br />If alignment is correct ,it goes on to within 3/16 ths easily by hand or body weight. no real need to hammer it on with a 4x4.dirty splines, lack of grease, poor alignment,surface rust on shaft in the gimbal bearing area can be cause for a hard install.seen some installed without being in fwd too.

 

[toomanyboats]

Re: Coupler Damaged?

Did you remove the old alum. from the splines in the shaft,I replaced the coupler this winter in a 454 /bravo 1,needs lots of grease,slipped right in.Good luck

 

[jhvsmiller]

Re: Coupler Damaged?

Splines in the old coupler were in excellent condition. It never has overheated. I did turn the shaft ccw trying to get it engaged. I used grease and the drive was in forward gear. I am wondering if I really had the correct alignment tool ( it was borrowed). Does anybody know where I could rent an alignment tool in the Seattle area? Thanks for all the help- you are all awesome.

 

[bolo789]

Re: Coupler Damaged?

buy one of ebay lots of them there

 

[jlshields]

Re: Coupler Damaged?

The rubber 'O' rings on the shaft cause some resistance when they get to the gimbel bearing when you're installing the drive....but not sledgehammer resistance.<br />John

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Coupler Damaged?

Do you have a '73 22' SRV? That is exactly what I have....<br />Have you checked the drive yet?<br />It is possible that you damaged the coupler by forcing the drive on, you need to pull it back off....<br />Where do you keep the boat?<br />I'm in Bellevue alot & I might be persuaded to check the alignment, I have the tool.....<br />You can pick them up on ebay pretty cheap, I got mine for $45.00 shipped.....<br />If you plan on keeping the boat or plan on another I/O in the future you should invest in one........ JK

 

[jhvsmiller]

Re: Coupler Damaged?

JK<br /> E-bay seems fine and I will get after it right away. While I am awaiting delivery it would be great if you came by- The boat is at my house in Kirkland (Actually Juanita Bay neighborhood).<br />I will report back to all of you about the final solution.<br /> Best Regards,<br /> JM

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Coupler Damaged?

I will check my schedule & get back to you....Have you pulled the drive yet? You should edit your email out now .....JK

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Coupler Damaged?

You have mail .....JK