Problem reinstalling Outdrive

[sculbert]

Help! Guys I am getting frustrated again. I am trying to install a Mercruiser type I outdrive. 73 model. I have had this problems years ago but don't rememebr how I fixed it or if I just got lucky. <br /><br />I am not able to get the outdrive to reinstall the last 2 inches. I have removed it and verified the gimbal bearing is still aligned properly. I have a old shaft I used to do the alignment and I can insert it without any problem the entire way. I try to insert the outdrive and then get to the last two inches and it won't go in any farther. I have tried pulling up and pushing down as well as left and right. I can't seem to find any combination that will allow it to slip in any farther. seems like it is a issue with the shaft and the gimbal bearing I would think. Is there any magic combo I can try? What about the rubber ring that I insert. It doesn't to have gotten in that far yet.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Problem reinstalling Outdrive

Can you turn the prop shaft a little at a time between grunts???

 

[sculbert]

Re: Problem reinstalling Outdrive

I have tried spinning the engine over. I put the prop back on and can't turn it with the prop it is already engaged at the splines of the flywheel.

 

[Battlewagon]

Re: Problem reinstalling Outdrive

Just got through hanging mine back on bout an hour ago. Did you verify that the shifter is still in foward gear?? Is the shift lever on the outdrive just below the exhaust passage still pointed straight?? Do have the shift cable end lined up in it's slot?? I use a standard automotive style engine puller to remove/install my drive and have found turning the prop counter clockwise slightly while pushing O/D in usually works if everything above is correct. I have also found if you move the prop the wrong way even the slightest bit will move the little shift lever on the outdrive and you will never slide it in till you turn the lever back straight.

 

[sculbert]

Re: Problem reinstalling Outdrive

Thanks for the reply, I do have the lever in full forward position and the shifter paw if in the right position. I will pull it back and try again; trying to turn the unit as it goes in. Seems like it must be engage with the splines though because when I turn the engine over the prop turns also.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Problem reinstalling Outdrive

My Guess is,<br />Your Alignment is Off, Slightly.......<br />And,<br />Possibly it's hanging on the oring....<br />Try giving it a Good Kick..........<br /><br />I've had them Fall into place, with a Properly Applied Horse Kick...................

 

[sculbert]

Re: Problem reinstalling Outdrive

I tried a block of wood and a 10lb. hammer. Do you think a horse kick is better?

 

[BMDODGE]

Re: Problem reinstalling Outdrive

had to give mine the good ole' horse kick + pull it in the last 3/4" with the nut's & bolt's...

 

[achris]

Re: Problem reinstalling Outdrive

Good ole size 11, right on the rear of the top box. Works every time!

 

[ken thrussell]

Re: Problem reinstalling Outdrive

I had the same problem with mine also this year but did you use an aligning shaft to line up the bearing with the spline?....slid right in after i used the shaft

 

[ken thrussell]

Re: Problem reinstalling Outdrive

ooooooooooops sorry missed the part that you did use the shaft!

 

[sculbert]

Re: Problem reinstalling Outdrive

I got in guys!!! I feel stupid, looking closer I found the shaft on the 188 outdrive to be a couple inches longer than the one from the 120hp Merc 1 outdrive. I could have sworn I checked it. I swapped the drive shaft and the rest is as you guys said. Well I got it up there and the last inch required the good old Horse kick as you guys told me to do and bingo it is in! I am almost ready for the water now. This has been on long project. I thought it would be easier swapping motors. Now to test it and figure out what I need for a prop. I am hoping to have agood experience from here out. A new used 165hp merc, new manifold, swapped outdrive and new gimbal bearing; that one was a scary job. I should be good to go. <br /><br />you guys have been great to help.

 

[outboardguy]

Re: Problem reinstalling Outdrive

The horse kick is better known as the MERCURY KICK