1993 Mercury 15 hp longshaft lower unit reinstall problems

[rebars1]

I replaced the impeller and am trying to re-install lower unit to the upper unit. However, I am unable top get the drive shaft to engage with the motor. It feels like the drive shaft is hitting the bottom of the power head but I can't get it to engage the drive shaft socket. I can get he shift rod through and the water tube engaged, but not the drive shaft. I have it in forward and have been turning the propeller shaft but to no avail. The upper and lower parts have another 2"to 3" of distance to close up. Any tips on how to get this back together?

 

[flyingscott]

Try turning the fllywheel. It is also not hard to miss the crankshaft and hit the bottom of the block try using a flashlight to look up there.

 

[rebars1]

After checking the needed alignment with a flashlight I tried again and this time it all slid right into place. Thanks for the tip.