Removed Lower unit with shifter in neutral

[Raypex]

I am new to boating but do most of my own work on my vehicles and snowmobiles. I purchased a '89 Sea Ray 220 OV last fall and am going thru some maintenance and repairs.
I couldn't wait for my Seloc manual to arrive and figured I'd get started.
After removing the lower unit, I found some You Tube videos explaining the procedure.

To my dismay, all info says to put lever into forward gear "or serious internal damage may result!":facepalm:
My question are as follows:
1. How do I know if "serious damage" resulted from my haste?
2. If no damage, do I move lever to forward now? (for re-install)

This is a 1989 Mercruiser 4.3l LX Alpha One outdrive.
I don't think I used any excessive force when removing. Just some gentle wiggle and pry.
Thanks

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Removed Lower unit with shifter in neutral

If you removed the lower unit from the upper unit, no problem at all!!!!!!! Just put your shifter in forward and align the shift foot straight ahead with the prop locked in a counter clockwise direction.

BTW, the shift foot needs to be long side pointing toward the transom.

 

[Raypex]

Re: Removed Lower unit with shifter in neutral

I removed the outdrive from the Bell housing. I am working my way in to change exhaust bellows and Gimbel bearing.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Removed Lower unit with shifter in neutral

Need to get the terminology straight : The outdrive consists of two parts the driveshaft housing (upper unit) and the gearcase (lower unit). If you split the outdrive (removed the lower unit) before you removed the upper, you are OK (the shift shafts disconnect), if you removed the whole outdrive with the control in neutral there is a good chance that you may have damaged the shift shaft connection between the intermediate shift shaft (in the upper) and the upper shift shaft (in the bellhousing). The intermediate ss fits into a "C" channel on the bottom of the upper ss. When in forward both point straight ahead, and when you pull the outdrive off they just slide apart. When in neutral (or reverse) the shafts are turned CCW and will bind when you pull the outdrive off. This can cause the shift shafts to bend when you force them apart.

 

[Raypex]

Re: Removed Lower unit with shifter in neutral

I apologize for my short boat vocabulary. I removed the out drive, not just the lower.
How can I tell if I caused any damage?
Thank you for your patience!

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Removed Lower unit with shifter in neutral

With an 89 you should have an Alpha 1 gen 1. I assume you are going to replace the impeller, so when you split the outdrive, you should be able to get a good look at the top of the intermediate shift shaft (pull the pin and remove it if you need to) make sure it is not bent. Take a look at the bottom of the upper ss in the bellhousing too. If it came off easy chances are you are OK. Good luck.

 

[Raypex]

Re: Removed Lower unit with shifter in neutral

Thanks Terry I am going to replace the Impeller. I am also going to wait for my Seloc manual and thumb thru applicable pages. I appreciate the help here. I think i'm going to like it here at Iboats!

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Removed Lower unit with shifter in neutral

Use the Seloc manual to start fires. Obtain the mercruiser manual following the links on here. They are hosted on the 4shared hosting site.

 

[madurodave]

Re: Removed Lower unit with shifter in neutral

Use the Seloc manual to start fires. Obtain the mercruiser manual following the links on here. They are hosted on the 4shared hosting site.

not true, the seloc manual also makes for a great knee pad while working on the boat.

 

[Don S]

Re: Removed Lower unit with shifter in neutral

Here is a link to download the service manual. http://www.4shared.com/document/zz_5pj9o/Service_Manual_06.html

To my dismay, all info says to put lever into forward gear "or serious internal damage may result!"

You will likely bend one of the shift shafts, but that is hardly serious internal damage.