Installing the lower unit

[HenryB]

With the lower unit in the full up position, I?m getting too old to jostle the unit around until the shaft teeth mesh.

What I?ve been doing is, with the engine full up, and getting the lower unit set in until I get about a two-inch gap, I tie it off with a rope and lower the unit down until the fins are parallel to the ground. The rope holds the gap at around two inches.

Then I use wooden supports and plates and a jack to get the teeth to mesh.

A real pain, any ideas that might take that pain away?

 

[HenryB]

Re: Installing the lower unit

Short of doling out big bucks to have a shop do it.

The motor's a 130hp Johnson

 

[racerone]

Re: Installing the lower unit

Never force a lower unit up into place !!--Make sure the water tube is lined up and push it up.----Use an assistant to slowly turn the flywheel.-----It will all slide in place.----Have the assistant install one bolt to hold it together.

 

[HenryB]

Re: Installing the lower unit

I'm all alone on this, no assistant.

 

[HenryB]

Re: Installing the lower unit

My telltale water tube goes on to a plastic fitting in the lower cowl. That fitting has two inlets, one small and one a little larger (that's capped). Any idea what the purpose of the capped inlet is?

 

[boobie]

Re: Installing the lower unit

Can you post a pic of it ??

 

[AlTn]

Re: Installing the lower unit

guess would be that it's for the water pressure gauge hose

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Installing the lower unit

I have the gearcase in gear, so that I simply turn the prop to align the splines.

 

[HenryB]

Re: Installing the lower unit

I have the gearcase in gear, so that I simply turn the prop to align the splines.

I must do it alone, with no help. I cannot get the fit by jiggling, the unit will not cooperate. I must lift the unit in the lowered position. I have a ?? plywood jack plate with a hole cut for the skeg. Gently jacking against it, because it deflects, does no harm to the splines. But that is not so on my knees and back. What I need is a rope rig that will be able to pull up on the unit for the last two inches.

 

[racerone]

Re: Installing the lower unit

Could you install a long stud in the hole in the middle just above the prop ?------Could you then use a nut to gently move it up ?-----Turn the flywheel gently as you get close so the splines engage.-----Install the other bolts , then remove the stud and install the proper bolt.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Installing the lower unit

The problem with jacking it is you underestimate the power of the jack. You could be forcing it with 5 tons and feel like it is going up smoothly.

The method I mentioned I do alone every day. Put the gearcase in gear, then as you slide it up, spin the PROP to engage the splines, NOT the flywheel. For that, you would need a second person. If you take off the tilt lock, and have the lower unit on an angle, it is easier to lift alone. Grease the splines, but not the top of the driveshaft. Also, grease the water line, and the rubber grommet, to aid in it slipping in without pinching.

As a safety note, pull the plug leads to ensure she doesn't fire while turning the prop or flywheel!

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Installing the lower unit

...I do like racerones's idea above as well. Better than a jack.