Mark 58/58A - bolt up lower unit before powerhead?

[new2mercs]

Is there any reason that I can't reassemble the lower unit and gear housing on my Mark 58 before reinstalling the powerhead? I would like to get the shifting sorted out while I can easily get to everything. Seems like the only thing to worry about aligning when installing the powerhead last would be the driveshaft splines. Won't it just basically drop on?

I know that the lower cowl might tend to move around, but I would think that by using gasket sealer and some bolts to line things up I could basically glue it on first... .

 

[Laddies]

Re: Mark 58/58A - bolt up lower unit before powerhead?

No reason not to do that just justify the shift lever position before bolting it up.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Mark 58/58A - bolt up lower unit before powerhead?

Agree with Laddies, no reason you can't. Just make sure you grease the inside of the waterpump housing so you can do your initial setup and cranking speed checks without water. Don't get me wrong, there's no problem with using water if you don't mind it.