1982 Mercury 9.8 problems reinstalling lower unit

[Jwill]

I pulled the lower unit out of my 1982 9.8 Merk short shaft and cannot get the lower unit back in. I've had it as close as 3/4" to having it slip in and now its about 1 1/2" from going back in.<br />I'll push the lower unit in and right before it goes in completely it hits something (metal to metal).<br />I assume the teeth aren't lining up on the shift rod or the shaft that spins the prop.<br />I've tried everything I can think of to make it go back in and it won't.<br />I've put it in every gear, pulled the start rope, spun the prop around, turned both shafts, lubed it, etc.<br />Before I chuck it in the street I thought I'd see if anyone has any ideas.<br />Thanks, Jay!!!

 

[shamp]

Re: 1982 Mercury 9.8 problems reinstalling lower unit

I am also having a lower unit problem. I have a 50hp 1985 model. I fixed the water pump, but can not get the shaft back in what is the trick to get the splines lined up.<br /><br />shamp

 

[Scondo]

Re: 1982 Mercury 9.8 problems reinstalling lower unit

Hi Try looking up where the shaft goes and with a tourch you can see the hole in the power head ,some times there looks like a shim or something moves and obstructs the passage ,use a bit of wire and line it up and the shaft should go back in,well it is like that on my mariner 75.good luck

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: 1982 Mercury 9.8 problems reinstalling lower unit

jus shillin, your motor is pretty small, could you remove the power head and do it that way instead,? i had this problem before witha twin cylinder 6 horse, and thats what i had to do...<br /><br />the dude with the fifty horse, i dont think that would work for you... although it IS BETTER than throwing it in the street, just look up in the hole with a light of some sort, grease her up and be patient....