[christine p]

need help with my 1975 9.8 mercury. replaced the cam-reverse lock and when i went to place the lower unit back on-the drive shaft is not lined up properly. any suggestions would be appreciated.

[bhile]

While putting light upward pressure on the L/U turn the flywheel. It will only need turned a little.

[jbjennings]

before installing, check the shifter shaft. there is a flat slot on the shaft where the splines are. when the flat slot is facing perfectly toward propeller its in forward. turn it very slightly one click clockwise. this will be neutral. make sure your shifter handle is in neutral also. slide it in making sure your water tube slides in. i have had several people tell me to apply sealer to the tube to be sure exhaust gases don't leak in and screw up water flow. as you slide in and approach 1/2 inch before tight, turn recoil with pull cord gently like the last poster said-- you should have no problem then just like he said. hope this was helpful--i'm just learning about these darn mercs myself-- i have a '72 110 9.8 myself!
jb