What is this?

[berry7199]

I am relatively new to boating. I tried installing a new impeller on my 1988 Maverick Funliner. It has a 4.3 Mercruser I/O. I just happened to look under the outboard housing unit and saw this. (See picture). I’m not sure if I did that during the install or if it was like that already. Can someone tell me what it is and is there an easy fix to get the 2 lined back up? Thanks!!

 

[Dubed]

Shift shaft, those two pieces should have been aligned. Your boat needs to be in forward gear when you install outdrive, that will align them. Looks like you forced it on and bent the shaft. Take it apart and examine the shaft and seals. Thats just my opinion, there are far better techs on here than me. Good luck

 

[Scott06]

As stated it got forced in during reassembly of the two outdrive halves, may have to separate and see if they can line up. May be bent …

i broke the shift lever in the lower its an expensive part , just jammed it on wasnt lined up…

 

[nola mike]

As stated it got forced in during reassembly of the two outdrive halves, may have to separate and see if they can line up. May be bent …

i broke the shift lever in the lower its an expensive part , just jammed it on wasnt lined up…

No, that's from removing/installing the drive when the shift lever isn't in fwd. Or the intermediate shaft wasn't in fwd when you tried to install the drive. You *should* be able to straighten out that shift shoe--the curved piece. It should be parallel to the centerline of the boat with the control in fwd.

 

[Scott06]

No, that's from removing/installing the drive when the shift lever isn't in fwd. Or the intermediate shaft wasn't in fwd when you tried to install the drive. You *should* be able to straighten out that shift shoe--the curved piece. It should be parallel to the centerline of the boat with the control in fwd.

your right the upper part is on the bell housing not upper …so yeah what he said ….

 

[berry7199]

Thanks for the reply’s. I’ll take it apart and see if I can’t get them realigned, if it’s not too bent. Thanks!

 

[achris]

Thanks for the reply’s. I’ll take it apart and see if I can’t get them realigned, if it’s not too bent. Thanks!

It's bent. You'll need to take the upper shift shaft out of the bell housing and straighten it up. That may mean a new lever at the top. Most often you need to break the lever off as the screw is Loctited in.

Looks like you took the drive off without putting it in forward gear. Was it a bit tight getting off?

Chris....