Having trouble getting my lower unit back on

[threedeesmax]

It's a Mercury Mark 58ae. Both the control lever and the gearbox are in neutral.

Something's binding up or blocking my ability to get the lower unit all the way up, into place. There is a gap of about 1/2" to 3/4", keeping me from getting it up in there.

The water pickup tube is right inline, where it needs to be.

What's the problem?

HELP, PLEEEAASE!!!!

 

[Windykid]

Re: Having trouble getting my lower unit back on

Since you are in nuetral and not in foward you cant turn the prpellar to line up the splines. Try taking out the spark plugs and turning the flywheel with some help from someone while you push up on the L/U it will line up and seat the rest of the way.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Having trouble getting my lower unit back on

10-4 on Windy's suggestion.

Mark

 

[threedeesmax]

Re: Having trouble getting my lower unit back on

Thanks! It worked, and the lower unit is now back in place. And the shifting is even correct - forward is forward, back is reverse, and neutral is in the middle - right where they belong!

Almost finished with this project. It should be on the water soon!