Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

[sroger007]

I've just finished re-installing my 470 mercruiser engine after replacing a failed drive coupler.<br /><br />I've aligned the coupler to the gimball bearing - tool slides easily in and out.<br /><br />I spent 6 hours trying to get the out drive back on and no success. I can't seem to get the splined shaft to engage the coupler. I know it all fits together as I checked all parts seperately before assembly. <br /><br />Is there a trick I don't know about?

 

[Tufan]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

try rubbing it with a little gear oil - it will slide right in...

 

[MooseHootie]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

make sure you shifter shaft linkage is not jammed up.

 

[BinLurkin]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

Are you trying to do this without a shop crane? I had help from 3 neighbors & it wouldn't go in. I just thought we could lift it right up there & slide it in. Farted around like that for 3 days until I got out my shop crane & then they both slid right in. I didn't even need any help, did it by myself with the crane.

 

[sroger007]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

She's greased up well so should be OK<br /><br />Shifter Shaft linkage is aligned. I'm not even able to get it on far enough to engage the shifter yet. With my hand I can feel the the end of the splind shaft is just butting the face of the coupler but will not engage.<br /><br />Shop crane? I did this before without a crane and it slipped in nicely - maybe I got lucky. I suppose the crane might help - hadn't thought to use it. It's still set-up as I just put the engine in with it. Sure will be a little easier on my back.<br /><br />However it seems to mee that the spline is "sagging" after the gimball bearing and is just missing the coupler splines. Not enough room to move it with any accuracy to get it aligned and you're working blind anyway.<br /><br />Any other tips?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

I have found it sometimes necessary to turn the prop a little counterclock wise to get the splines lined up. Another thing I have found helpful is to use some duct tape on the prop to keep some pressure on it so it doesn't pop out of gear. This assumes of course that you have the gear shift in forward and the "shoe" is lined up properly.<br /><br />The last few inches can be a bear, but a few swift kicks with my size 11's usually does the trick. Enough to get the nuts started and let them do the rest of the work. It is also good to make sure that the o-ring didn't pop out before doing the "snugging up.")

 

[sroger007]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

Fishermark<br /><br />The drive is in forward gear as is the shifter linkage ( ie both running parrallel bow to stern)so should slide together nicely once they get close enough to do so.<br /><br />I'll try the crane appraoch and jogging the prop a bit (CC) and see what happens. I use a deadmans mallet as gentle persuasion vs the "big boot" but to each his own.<br /><br />I've tacked the O-ring in place with a little spot of permatek. Damn thing kept fallin' into the cavity as I was shakin' the crap out the drive trying to get her engaged.

 

[Rhadley]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

I'd rotate the spline, try to engage, rotate, try again. It could be that the splines have worn in such a way as to prevent mating between certain shaft and coupler splines.<br /><br />As far as a hoist goes, I just srewed an I-bolt into the ceiling and used a rope to keep the outdrive upright. I also put a piece of wood under it to raise it to the proper height, and could easily align and push the unit.

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

A nice good kick works good sometimes! To the outdrive I mean.

 

[steve n carol]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

after replacing a failed drive coupler. <br />Q) Is the new coupler the same as the old one? (spline configuration)?<br />I am replacing the intermedate shift shaft on mine because it has been forced into place, and became bent. I also found when I removed the same, that with the unit full down, it slid out...sl

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

Turn the prop while pushing on the drive and it should slide right in.The turning of the prop will get the splines lined up perfectly.Charlie

 

[sroger007]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

A word of advise. When installing the outdrive a hoist or crane makes a world of difference. I struggled for 6 hrs trying to man handle the OD back on without success. I then hooked it up to a lift ( as suggested by BinLurkin), cranked the prop about a 1/4 CC and she slipped on effortlessly. I wanted to make sure it wasn't luck so I actually took off and reinstalled several times after rotating the prop - simple simple simple Thanks folks

 

[llerrad]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

Check spline on shaft for any burrs that may have occured during bumping around, rub tip of spline lightly with fine file to remove any burr. Do not bash into place have seem much damage done this way.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

I hope you tried the coupler on the outdrives drive shaft before you installed it. I will shut up now.

 

[itstim]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

Same thing happened to me today. Aligned it all up, put the shaft in and it wouldn't go. Turns out I think I bumped the inner race on the gimbal bearing and knocked it out of its alignment (at least I think that's what happened). Re-aligned it and (more carefully) put the drive shaft back in and nearly pinched my fingers against the bell it went on so smooth and fast.

 

[ron7000]

Re: Mercruiser Outdrive Re-Install Problem

make sure shifter is in forward gear, and shifter mechanism on bottom of gimbal housing, on the transom, is straight so it'll except the shifter pin from the outdrive. Make sure the shifter pin on the outdrive is pointing straight, that puts the drive in forward gear also. Once you have the drive partially in the gimbal housing, with the shaft resting in the gimbal bearing, rotate the prop counterclockwise, this'll rotate the driveshaft of the outdrive sitting in the housing. This'll allow the splines to line up with the splines in the engine, and as you push the drive in and rotate the prop it'll catch and slide right in.<br /><br />It's best to grease the splines on the outdrive driveshaft.<br /><br />When you position the outdrive shift pin straight, which means it's in forward gear, keep tension on the prop in the counterclockwise direction- ie the direction that'll spin the driveshaft. This'll keep the drive from falling back into neutral gear. It's easier to do this operation with two people, but if you're good you can do it all by yourself with an alpha 1. Sometimes in addition to turning the prop, a few mother f's will help. Let's the boat know who's boss