What gear to be in when removing lower unit?

[gabe33366]

Hi guys, I'm planning on doing my own maintenance for the first time. Going to change the gear oil and impellor on my Alpha 1 Gen 2. Was just wondering what the correct procedure for what gear the boat should be in before removing the gear case. I've been hearing it should be in forward, does this mean I simply shift the throttle lever forward? Does the prop have to be moving or do I have to rotate it after to "lock" it in?

I've watched a couple YouTube videos and feel fairly comfortable with the procedure but they all seem to brush over the important information regarding what gear you should be in. Unless I missed it, the manual doesn't mention it either.

Thanks

Edit: also just to make it clear I'm planning on only removing the lower half of the outdrive

 

[Bt Doctur]

This drive MUST be in fwd to remove just the lower unit. It has to do with the lower shift shaft. If not lined up in fwd you can remove it accidently.
So shift into full fwd, verify shift shoe is in a straight line and prop is locked CCW, remove nuts and bolts to drop the unit, just remember there is a bolt UNDER the trim tab

 

[airshot]

If your going to be doing your own maintance then a service manual would be in order for sure. Why trust what some guy on youtube says vs the factory manual??
At least then you would know if the youtube video was correct or not!!

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... If ya wanta do yer own maintenance, Click on the link titled Don'S Adults Only Section in my signature,....

Factory manuals, 'n oceans of other Great info is in there,.....

 

[gabe33366]

Okay, so I'm halfway through the job and ran into a couple problems.

The water pump coupling (816597A1), is stuck to the upper half of the lower unit (it didn't come off with the gearcase). The plastic guide tube is loose. I tried pulling and twisting it off pretty hard and I even tried some pliers. Is it normal for this piece to be hard to remove? I gave up because I didn't want to damage it. Is it possible its melted on?

Also I didn't disconnect the plastic speedo coupling (22-815956A1) when I dropped the drive. Stupid I know, but in my defense the mercury service manual did not mention it. So the 1/4 turn locking clips of the male end broke off. I'm wondering if the oring will have enough friction to hold the connector in place or if I should just go ahead and order a new part. It's only the speedo so not that big of a deal but I do like to see how fast I'm going:joyous:.

Thanks

 

[Bt Doctur]

there is no need to remove the upper water tube and the guide tube will be somewhat loose.

 

[gabe33366]

there is no need to remove the upper water tube and the guide tube will be somewhat loose.

I was referring to the "water tube coupler" which I assume slides over what you would call the upper water tube. There are 2 orings that need to be changed according to the mercury service manual.

 

[khe]

Just buy a new fitting for the speedometer tube - it is not that pricey.

 

[Bt Doctur]

the guide tubes O rings are replaced and the guide tube sits on top of the SS housing

 

[gabe33366]

the guide tubes O rings are replaced and the guide tube sits on top of the SS housing

Isn't the guide tube just a guide tube, its the water tube coupling (816597A1) which contains the orings and sits on the impellor housing. In any case, like I said, my water tube coupling is stuck to the upper water tube on the upper half of my outdrive. Surely, I would have to separate it in order to change the orings. Any advice on freeing it?

 

[Bt Doctur]

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/14/14b3.pdf
See page 3B-6 #29 is the coupling with the O rings #31 is the guide sleeve