1988 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Gen 1 - stuck going on last inch

[Blueghost924]

I have a 1988 Mercruiser Alpha 1 Gen 1, and am having trouble getting it on the last inch (as shown in the picture). I've followed the AChris video and other guides exact to the point for installing, and can't see to get it in the last bit. The shifter is in fwd, the stern drive is in forward (locked in anti clockwise motion and shift show forward with the splines greased. I also saw where Chris talked about putting a light oil on the o rings.

I've now tried to back the stern drive out, and it's not coming off readily as well.

Thoughts?

 

[kenny nunez]

Did you use an alignment tool to check the alignment? Was it the right tool for the later drive coupling that has a grease fitting?

 

[NHGuy]

Also can you look and be sure the shift "shoe" and shift "foot" are facing exactly fore and aft so they can slide together?
Once you know they are lined up, and the shift fork is in the chamber you should be able to turn the prop a few degrees backward to allow the splines in the drive yoke to engage the coupler splines. Then the drive will go forward the last bit.

HTH

 

[Bt Doctur]

When you removed the drive did it come off easily? Did you replace the gimbal bearing and did you check the alignment BEFORE trying to install the drive?

 

[nola mike]

I'd hate to give you advice that would make you miss something catastrophic, but that last inch sometimes needs a whack with a size 10.5 install tool. .

 

[Bt Doctur]

I'd hate to give you advice that would make you miss something catastrophic, but that last inch sometimes needs a whack with a size 10.5 install tool. .

If the alignment is perfect you push it on to the last 1/8 inch

 

[kenny nunez]

I must agree with the Boat Doctor, the drive should go on without any extra force. Sometimes just talking to the drive using proper “X” rated language is not enough and a little foot physical “encouragement” is needed no matter how good the alinement is.
There used to be a Galaxy Boat dealer here where the installers would “pile drive” the new drives on no matter what the alignment was. I ended up with a few of their warranty jobs because the owner did not want to bring the back to them.

 

[AShipShow]

I've had issues with too much marine grease on new o-rings where it was a little difficult to install the drive the last inch or so...And yes, the alignment was good.

If you're sure your alignment was good, then make sure you don't have too much grease on the input shaft... try putting a light amount of oil on the o-rings and then worry about greasing the gimbal bearing and coupler after the drive is installed.