1974 Evinrude 85 unable to reinstall lower end

[steveclark99]

I had very few problems taking the lower end off the motor after i discovered how to take unhook the shift rod. Now I have completed rebuilding the water pump in the lower end and as tried to reassemble it, I slipped the shift rod and driveshaft through the holes. I can't get the gear case and exhaust housing any closer meeting than 1 1/2 inches. The shift rod is coming through the hole and I have turned the propeller and motor to assist in flywheel/driveshaft alignment. As I look at YouTube do it yourself videos this is supposed to be a very easy step so I must be doing something very wrong.

Any suggestion would would be really appreciated!

 

[Faztbullet]

Did you line up your water tubes?

 

[F_R]

You are using the water tube guide sleeves, right? I think you are completely missing the crankshaft when poking the driveshaft up in there. As a visual aid, I try to keep the gearcase and exhaust housing mating surfaces parallel as I slide it up into place. Once the driveshaft starts to enter the crankshaft, then is the time to rotate the prop or flywheel to align the spline grooves if necessary.

 

[steveclark99]

Yes, i am using the sleeves and can turn the propeller and feel the flywheel teeth clicking by. The shift rod is actually sticking up in the hole so my thought was alignment was ok. I thought perhaps the water bushings or the drive shaft bushing may have been incorrectly installed but it matches the manual and i see that they fit well in the guide holes. It is that last 1" that I feel it hit something and then it will not go farther.

 

[oldboat1]

Try carefully shifting into reverse or forward while attempting to raise the gearcase into position. May be a two person job.

 

[steveclark99]

Try carefully shifting into reverse or forward while attempting to raise the gearcase into position. May be a two person job.

My son is coming over to help. Boy do the YouTubes make this look easy. Thanks lot and i will use your suggestion.