Can't reinstall 1986 8 HP Yam lower unit

[yam 70]

After installing a new impeller, I am having mucho trouble getting the lower unit back in to my 1986 8 HP Yammy.The videos on Utube make it look oh so simple, but I have spent hours trying to reinstall this freaking lower unit. And my nearest motor repair place is hours away.

Anyhow after lining up the water pump with the tube etc. As per my Clymer shop manual, I put the gear shift in reverse and pushed down on the shift rod-unfortunately this older motor shift rod connection is further up the unit than the easy access newer models. I even turned the motor head down to enable gravity to help - there is no water in the motor).
I then put the gearshift in neutral and pull on the starter cord to mesh the splines, even tried turning the prop at the same time which probably would make no difference anyway- no cigar. Can anyone experienced with this actual model give me some advice.
Thanks.

 

[yam 70]

Re: Can't reinstall 1986 8 HP Yam lower unit

Well for anyone who may one day have the same problem, I discovered that when I put the motor back on the boat and gave it one more shot, that the lu went in fairly easily, because for some reason the motor needs to be titlted when reinstalling.

The reason I took the motor off the boat was to get better access to the gear shift which is up the top of the lu in my model.

I put the gearshift and the gear shift rod in reverse, jiggled the prop very slowly back and forward while pushing up on the lu and she went staright in.
Now some mechanic may get it in off the boat, without tilting the motor, but I spent hours trying all combinations of things to do and this was the only way it worked.