Old Bravo3 Outdrive Reassembly problem connecting gear oil line

[CayugaCobalt]

I am ready to reassemble my 1997 B3 outdrive. I have the helmet off. I have everything attached to the transom; the water tube, shift cable and U joints bellows, trim senders and gear oil line.

I can foresee being able to connect all of these to the helmet fairly easily EXCEPT that little gear oil line.

Does anyone have any advice or tips on making that particular connection? Gear oil line to helmet when already attached to transom.

There is no space around the nipple and its a blind connection when you push helmet straight in which allows all the other connections. Is it just trial and error with a blind stab onto the nipple?

Could I make the gear oil line 4" longer than OEM length and then bend it 180deg out and over to helmet held in space adjacent and facing outwards. Then I could clearly see what I am doing. As is, at OEM length, it doesn't reach for this trick.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... There's a clip, inside the transom, that allows the fitting, 'n hose to move out enough to attach the hose, then push back in, then put the clip back on,.....
Before you start, read this thread about the pitfalls though,.....

 

[Bt Doctur]

I attach the hose to the brass nipple first and I use a hose 2 inches longer than factory. install the housing and using some Power-Tune and a special hose pliers simply CAREFULLY push the hose on the plastic nipple.
Its a very tight fit and have found that no clamp is necessary

 

[CayugaCobalt]

Ayuh,...... There's a clip, inside the transom, that allows the fitting, 'n hose to move out enough to attach the hose, then push back in, then put the clip back on,.....
Before you start, read this thread about the pitfalls though,.....

Thanks Bondo; gonna pass on that option. It makes perfect sense, but accessing the inside of the transom wall is pretty much impossible on my boat. That big block takes up alot of space.

 

[CayugaCobalt]

I attach the hose to the brass nipple first and I use a hose 2 inches longer than factory. install the housing and using some Power-Tune and a special hose pliers simply CAREFULLY push the hose on the plastic nipple.
Its a very tight fit and have found that no clamp is necessary

Thanks Bt Doctur! On my 1997 both helmet and transom hose barbs/nipples are brass thankfully. Will look for some hose pliers on Amazon.

 

[CayugaCobalt]

In the end, I was able to leave gear oil line attached to transom and bring helmet up next to gimbal ring and using the long hose pliers, recommended, here, pull it onto my brass hose barb on the inside of helmet. I did pull one zip tie tight there for security.

I was able to this because my 1997 has solid brass hose barbs throughout and you arent going to break them pulling on hose. Newer units have plastic based hose barbs that would snap inside the transom wall and now you have created an even bigger disaster due to lack of access to inner transom wall on most boats.