lower unit wont go back in after water pump change help

[skinny1965]

ok its a alpha one and I pulled the lower unit off to install a different water pump and lower unit will not go back in it all goes to about an inch away (studs just at edge of hole no threads out)
it seems every thing is lined up but just not going in. I have checked the shift linkage is ok and seems water tube is in line I have also tried putting in gear and turn to see if spline is out just doesn't seem to go I don't want to force it.

 

[skinny1965]

i also replaced the lower seal in top end

 

[skinny1965]

so everything i read says its just not lined up just seems like shouldn't be so hard

 

[skinny1965]

ok got it it went in guess I just didn't bite my tongue enough
now to figure out how to set the little fin

 

[ktbarrentine]

Good news that you got it in.... What year/serial number is your drive? If it is an "older" alpha-1 with the O-ring on the vertical shaft near the top, and you put an O-ring on (not recommended), it will often get caught on the seal you just replaced (about and inch from full assembly). Often that O-ring has damaged the seal during reassembly rendering it useless (allowing water to get up in that area....not to worry too much, though, there is an upper seal in there too, but there are two seals there for a reason). Most folks heed the sage wisdom and advice and leave the O-ring off (the later model Alpha-1's don't even have that O-ring groove anymore. Of course, if your drive is a gen II, then different story).... But, I am assuming not a gen-II, because to change the seal you changed in a Gen-II requires disassembly of the upper gears.

About your "fin". Trial and error setting mostly. My boat has power steering, so I dont even use a fin (I use a flat anode). For non power steering (or if you want the fin-trim anode anyways), set in the middle, go cruising, see what your steering does, adjust to your liking.

 

[thumpar]

I had the fin on my old boat. You can adjust it to your liking. It has different effect at different speeds so you need to find a spot that works for you.