lower unit not in gear

[michaelfagan]

I replaced the water impeller, had the boat in forward, and the lower unit slipped out of gear, now the prop spins freely. I read that I need to rotate the driveshaft clockwise when looking down at it, but it is not doing the trick. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: lower unit not in gear

Drive shaft clockwise, prop shaft ccw till it locks. I find it much easier with the prop off. Lock it into gear with a bungee, if need be....JK

 

[Fishermark]

Re: lower unit not in gear

I read that I need to rotate the driveshaft clockwise when looking down at it

I'm not trying to be a smart aleck, and you may have just used the wrong terminology, but you don't turn the drive shaft clockwise while looking down on it, you turn the shift shaft clockwise while looking down on it. Like J. Kopec mentions, you need to keep counter-clockwise pressure on the prop to help keep it in forward gear - I like to use duct tape, only because it is hard to keep a bungee from slipping off.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: lower unit not in gear

I was rereading the article from Mercstuff on replacing the water pump impeller and I see where you read about rotating the drive shaft clockwise. That's when you actually install the impeller into its housing. When you go to put the outdrvie back on, be sure the shift shaft is facing forward and keep the counter-clockwise pressure on the prop as mentioned above.

 

[michaelfagan]

Re: lower unit not in gear

The problem is that somehow the lower unit came out of gear and now the prop is free spinning. When I turn it (prop) counter clockwise it just spins and I hear a light clicking. My question is how do I get it back in gear. Thanks for any suggestions or words of wisdom as I am a cherry with working on boats.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: lower unit not in gear

You have to turn both the prop ccw, and the shift shaft cw at the same time to get them to lock....JK

 

[michaelfagan]

Re: lower unit not in gear

Thanks J.<br /><br />I'll try it tonight.

 

[qystan]

Re: lower unit not in gear

Mike<br /><br />Seems that you've got some things mixed (not trying to be smart here). There's the driveshaft and propshaft. I assume we are talking about alpha drives and you've removed the lower unit only. To clarify.<br /><br />The driveshaft clockwise thing is for putting the impeller on. First install the impeller and key onto the lower unit driveshaft. While pressing the housing onto the impeller, turn the driveshaft clockwise (looking down). This will give the impeller the twist to get it into the housing. It doesn't matter if the drive is not in gear, in fact will be easier to turn if it wasn't.<br /><br />The forward gear thing is to disengage the shift mechanism and allow the drive to slide off the bell housing. This is not necessary if you are dropping the lower unit only, but recommended as it helps determine the correct shift mech position on installation. You'll have to to align the shift mechanism and in gear as well as you will need to turn the prop to line up the drive shaft splines to get it back on. The bungee tension will help keep it in gear else it will slip out at the slightest movement.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: lower unit not in gear

"Q" it doesn't matter which way you direct the vanes on the impeller. Once the engine is started, they will find their way....Also, the drive should be in fwd, whether it is both upper & lower or lower alone. How did you make out Mike?.....JK