Outdrive wont go all the way back on

[Zim]

Just got done replacing the bellows, and Im trying to get the outdrive on but the dang thing will go on until theres about a 1/2-1" left before its all on, then is just stuck. Whats holding it on there? Ive tried moving the prop a little to get the teeth to line up, tried hand turning the motor a little, and it still wont go. I also changed the lower shift cable if that might be a culprit, but everythings in FWD and it just wont go on. What gives?

edit: Its a merc alpha I 1st gen btw

 

[Starflight]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

did ya use the alignment tool before trying to re-install it?

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

A couple of possibilities I see.
1. You MUST have the shifter in FORWARD and the shift shaft on the drive in FORWARD for them to slide together. You also need to keep a little pressure on the prop (CCW direction) to keep it in FORWARD. Some use a bungee cord.
2. You are up against NEW orings on the ujoint shaft. Put some oil on them, not grease, and they will go easier.
3. Alignment............ Get the bar and check it and be sure the splines on the drives shaft are greased.

 

[jedimaster]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

I had the same sorta problem, here is how I did it.
I pt a floor jack under the skeg to hold the weight.
like don said,
shift the lever in gear, and turn the prop and keep preasure on it or it will slip out of gear.
then trim the outdrive so that it is perfectly level with the lower unit, then squeze the lower and upper together with your hands as your leg/bunjee/third hand holds the prop.
Make sure you check the little shift lever thing that it is alligned exactly right. I had to wiggle the shifter thing a little to get it to line up properly.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

Ayuh,............

And Sometimes it just takes 1 of those Old Fashion Mule Kicks to Get'r Done..........
It Helps those O-rings thru,.... As long as the Alignment is Right......

 

[Zim]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

Just a couple more things,

The little tab on the actual outdrive for the shifter is facing towards the boat, so thats correct. I think what was happening is I had the shift cable too far adjusted in one direction, and it was keeping the end of the lower shift cable from being able to go into the bellhousing with coincendently about the same distance as what I needed to achieve. Ill have to try tomorrow though, I ripped the gasket, so I gotta get a new one

 

[Zim]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

Oh yeah, also wanted to get torque specs on the 6 outdrive bolts... if anyone knows thatd be great. Also if theres a special pattern too. Thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

50 ft lbs
Side to side, corner to diagonal corner.

 

[firstcoastmarineservices]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

Oh yeah, also wanted to get torque specs on the 6 outdrive bolts... if anyone knows thatd be great. Also if theres a special pattern too. Thanks.

i do believe there 50ft lb. and a criss cross pattern is always a good idea for tighting stuff.
i just just the 'good-n-tight' method.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

i just just the 'good-n-tight' method.

I like to call that Set to Spec, with My Calibrated Elbow............

 

[robjen1019]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

I had same problem. The bearing was just a little off. It doesn't take much to cause problems. Make sure the alignment tool slides in and out really easy. If you don't have one, see if you can barrow one. I got mine on ebay for 30 dollars.

Good Luck

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

i do believe there 50ft lb. and a criss cross pattern is always a good idea for tighting stuff.
i just just the 'good-n-tight' method.

I like to call that Set to Spec, with My Calibrated Elbow............

But he didn't ask how you boat butcher/ backyarders do it (meant for bondo, not the new advertiser), he ask what the spec. was, and I answered correctly.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

Ayuh,............

I've Butchered Abunch of boats,.............

Odd Thing Is,........... Most of them are Still Running.........

 

[Zim]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

anyone have the napa part number for the gasket kit? Im on the phone with them and they really dont have a clue what it is.

 

[Don S]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

That kit is a Sierra part, and your particular NAPA store may not carry it.
Have you tried any marine stores in your area?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

anyone have the napa part number for the gasket kit?

Ayuh,........

The Sierra/ NAPA # is 18-2618...............

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

Oh yeah, also wanted to get torque specs on the 6 outdrive bolts... if anyone knows thatd be great. Also if theres a special pattern too. Thanks.

If you're using an airgun it's 2 buddah-buddah's and Don KNOWS it- don't let him fool you.

Bondo- "The Butcher of Chaumont Bay" or "The Chaumont Bay Boat Butcher" which do you like better?

--
Stan

 

[Zim]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

Ayuh,........

The Sierra/ NAPA # is 18-2618...............

Thanks... out of curiousity, whats that Ayuh thing? Ive tried and tried to figure out what it is, and cannot for the life of me lol... care to share?

 

[Coors]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

Zim, evidently you have never been to the northeast. Ayuh, I think that is true.

 

[Zim]

Re: Outdrive wont go all the way back on

Zim, evidently you have never been to the northeast. Ayuh, I think that is true.

Definitely have not...