The Lower Unit War..I Surrender!

[pete44]

Well. I tried about everything I know and what ya'll have suggested...Just simply trying to mate an Alpha1 lower unit back to the upper..I tried so many things that I can't even remember what gear I had it in when I removed it...Silly question but can the lower unit be removed in NEUTRAL???.....Do you have to have the lower unit and boat drive in FORWARD to install?..In other words the way it came out is the way it goes back in apply here??? The upper drive splines can they be moved or positioned somehow???..I am about on the verge to carry to a pro to place it back on....A step by step procedure would be deeply appreciated...It is an '87 3.0 litre with Alpha1 drive....Thanks again for the continued help.....Pete

 

[Alumarine]

Re: The Lower Unit War..I Surrender!

This might help. http://www.mercstuff.com/alpharemoval.htm

It's possible to remove the drive incorrectly and install it correctly.

You may have bent the upper shift shaft shoe. When the control is in forward the shoe should be facing straight back and the ears must be not be bent.
They can be bent if trying to reinstall it in the wrong gear.