Water Pump Re-Build, Lower Unit Questions

[awides]

I dropped the lower unit on my 1976 1500 and re-built the water pump tonight. Although, when I attempted to reinstall the LU, it seemed that the cam shaft was impeded by something once it got up into the main powerhead. I initially thought it was just a misalignment, or perhaps the motor had slipped out of neutral causing the gears not to match. After a few a few attempts messing with the flywheel and throttle arm, I decided to come back in and start reading.

After looking through some of the posts here, it seems that reinstalling the LU on this engine may not be as easy as I'd initially thought.

Any insight as to what steps I'll need to take to get the lower unit back on properly would be greatly appreciated. Thank for the knowledge, all!

 

[jeff_smith_0423]

Re: Water Pump Re-Build, Lower Unit Questions

I just did one on an 86 90hp inline six - should be very similar. Removal was easy - reinstallation was a pain. It really is a two person job for the uninitiated. Not only do you need to get the driveshaft indexed with the powerhead, you'll need to get the shift shaft aligned properly.

Also make sure you didn't over torque the water pump case. I did. mushroomed it out and prevented it from going back together properly. I had to re-use the old one.

 

[emckelvy]

Re: Water Pump Re-Build, Lower Unit Questions

It's really not that bad, just a couple of peculiarities you have to deal with!

Take a look at the last few posts in this recent thread; this should pretty much explain the 'sequence of engagement' as you're reinstalling the lower unit. Also goes into the most common issue, getting the upper shift rod mated-up with the shift shaft:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1791185#post1791185

If that don't do it for ya, give a holler and we'll take another stab at it!.......ed

 

[awides]

Re: Water Pump Re-Build, Lower Unit Questions

Thanks guys, the link was very helpful. I knew it had to be something with regard to the gears matching-up...I just couldn't figure it out!