Impossible Lower Unit reinstallation.

[luckyinkentucky]

Engine: '94 Vindicator 200


I replaced my water pump, and I decided to reinstall my lower unit today. It has been nothing short of impossible to get the thing to go back on. I have the shift lever in reverse, but for some reason it won't match up and go on in. I have twisted the propeller to turn the driveshaft, but for some reason it won't go back on. Does the engine have to be in the 90 degree position for everything to match up? I've been trying it at the 45 degree angle so I can easily make sure the water pump and exhaust tube match up.

Anyone please help. I'd like to be running by tomorrow afternoon.

 

[grid]

Re: Impossible Lower Unit reinstallation.

And I hope I hit the lottery tonight, too. If you notice, the shift rod is stopping the gearcase from going all the way up. Often this has to do with shock mounts that have been extended or compressed, or rust-buildup. Put the gearcase in as far as you can, hold it steady while someone tilts the engine down (BTW, you should have the engine cowls off). You should have a block of some sort for the skeg to rest on when the engine lowers. At this point you'll be able to see the top of the shift rod and get it through its hole under the carbs. Turn the flywheel with minor pressure on the gearcase and iut should slide in. I'll pray for you, you pray for me.

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: Impossible Lower Unit reinstallation.

I'll try that and get back.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Impossible Lower Unit reinstallation.

See that light at the end of the tunnel?................it's a train.

Even if you do manange to force it back on, the shift shaft will always be under drag fron the mis-alignment. It'll probably be hard to shift at best. Fix it right. Replace the lower mounts.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Impossible Lower Unit reinstallation.

Just a note, you should take off your prop when doing this, accidents happen, things get dropped and you dont want to damage your prop, 5 seconds to take off. Also make sure you get some good marine grease on those driveshaft splines b4 re installing. Ive never had or seen that motor, but for some reason I seem to remember hearing they have to be in a certain position to re assemble?? Possibly perpendicular to the ground, or 90 degrees. I may be wrong , im not 100 percent , just seem to remember hearing that. GL

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: Impossible Lower Unit reinstallation.

After a little push and shove, and realigning the shift rod with a pair of needle nosed pliers, I finally got it back on. I made sure the remote control shifter was in the forward position beforehand so I can put that little screw in later. The main culprit was the shift rod. It kept wanting to catch on the engine, so I had my brother hold that forward in the right position while I pushed the lower unit up. After that it went all the way up except for 1/4 inch or so, and I assume that was just the exhaust housing getting in the way since I had a problem earlier with that coming off in the middle of the job, so I bolted down and she went up with little effort. I guess that exhaust housing just needed to be coaxed into fitting. Now, with the shift lever in the forward position, and the shift rod in the neutral I can go tomorrow, and perform the task of realigning the shift rod and bolting it in. With an hour or so in the morning I should be ready to go by tomorrow afternoon.


Just for the record, I labeled all of the spark plug wires and took them off before doing this. That way I could be sure it wouldn't start. I'm always a firm believer in safety first.