Mercruiser Pre Alpha (R) Lower Unit reassembly

[SWBuechler]

So ..... I remove the lower unit on my pre-alpha (R) outdrive to replace the impeller and impeller housing. When reading the manual to insure I'm following all the steps to re-install the lower unit I come across THIS bit of news; "Observe closely that the stainless steel special washer is installed properly over the shift shaft bushing. This washer MUST be made of stainless steel. NEVER attempt to use an iron or brass washer, because the washer prevents the shift shaft in the upper gear housing from working up-and-down as it turns." And it is accompanied by the attached REALLY unhelpful picture. There was no washer here when I removed the lower unit and there is no information regarding the size of the washer or how, exactly, it fits onto the shift shaft bushing. Any thoughts?

 

[nola mike]

Guessing that this is the washer in question (#50). Without it, the upper shift shaft slips down out of the shift shoe. Doesn't seem like a close tolerance piece, not sure why they're so specific about what can't be used. It just slides over the top. Easy to lose when you split the drive, so you might have had it there initially.

 

[Fishermark]

^^^ Like Mike mentions, it just sits there - and is basically just a spacer. Here's a good pic:

 

[SWBuechler]

Thanks so much. That is all really good information. Fishermark .... I can't seem to see the pic you posted. That would be REALLY helpful.

 

[Rick Stephens]

No Title

Here's a couple images

 

[SWBuechler]

Perfect! Thank you all so much