Coupler greasing same as greasing the spine?

[Dshow]

2001 Mercruiser 5.7L, Alpha I Gen II...
In the engine compartment, there is a grease fitting on the output of the engine on what I believe is the shaft that is a PITA to get to. When I have my drive off, I grease the splines before reassembly... Are these points one in the same or do they both need grease?

Thanks!

[TilliamWe]

Greasing the splines prior to re-installing the drive performs the same function indeed. You have the right idea, for sure!

[Lou C]

And while it's nice you can grease the Merc coupler splines without taking off the drive...you have to do this to check the gimble and grease the ujoints anyway (unless they are the permenantly lubed variety) so you might as well keep the yearly drive removal in your maintenance schedule....this more than anything keeps a sterndrive trouble free....

[Dshow]

Thanks for the replies! Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.