OMC drive installation, need help

[vicsponjr]

I had my outdrive repaired and tried to put it back on yesterday but could not get it on far enough to start the nuts. Doesn't even feel like I am in far enough to have the splines line up. I don't have an alignment tool but everthing looks lined up inside. Maybe an airlock? Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC drive installation, need help

I would get an alignment tool. If your problem is caused by mis-alignment, you are going to be pulling your engine next time to replace your coupler.

If it's because the splines aren't lining up, stick a screwdriver into the u-joints and turn them as you are pushing the drive to allow the splines to align.

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC drive installation, need help

You really need an alignment bar, no way can you "Eyeball" the alignment anywhere near close enough to prevent coupler failure.
Did you have any problems getting the drive off? If it came off very easily usually indicates the alignment is pretty close.
Are you sure the ujoints aren't hitting the bellows? If they are, the bellows is probably past due to be changed, but you could use some liquid soap to help the ujoints slide past the bellows opening and on into the splines.

 

[vicsponjr]

Re: OMC drive installation, need help

I was able to turn the u-joints while we pushed it in and it worked.
If the shaft goes in everything should be aligned, correct?

 

[lrlima]

Re: OMC drive installation, need help

It should...but I would definitley invest in an alignment tool. Especially if you plan on doing your own basic maintenance. The cost of the tool would be saved by one less vist to a marina for basic stuff...

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: OMC drive installation, need help

Use a large screw driver in/through the uni joint and move it around while you push the drive on. You're alignment may be off ...and maybe not. It's not always easy to get it on right. Sometimes it just slips in and sometimes you need to wiggle it in. (sounds like I'm giving a sex ed course!)

 

[seahorse5]

Re: OMC drive installation, need help

Sometimes there is a corrosion buildup on the driveshaft by the orings. Remove the orings and sand that area up to the taper to make sure it is shiny. Only use oil on the orings and grooves as grease can get hydrauically locked in the grooves and keep the orings from compressing like they should in the grooves.

This is assuming that alignment has been checked and is OK, the shaft is not binding inside the gimble bearing, and there is moly lube on the splines and no knicks or burrs on the shaft.

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC drive installation, need help

I was able to turn the u-joints while we pushed it in and it worked.
If the shaft goes in everything should be aligned, correct?

If you guys would read (or at least scan) the replies you would have seen he got the drive on by lining up the splines.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC drive installation, need help

He said in his first post he didn't have it in far enough to get the splines lined up.

In the second post he said he could turn the u-joints.

Once the splines line up, he shouldn't be able to turn the u-joints.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC drive installation, need help

Looks like he got it on judging from another post.

 

[vicsponjr]

Re: OMC drive installation, need help

Yes yes yes. The drive is on. Thanks for all the replies. I love this place!

Now I am having trouble with the exhaust. I put it on muffs to check it out and It is not all coming out of the prop, some is coming out the front of the lower unit, front/top, around the anode. Is this normal?

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: OMC drive installation, need help

Some exhaust bellows are designed open with slits along the bottom. Water and exhaust escapes from there.