1965 Evinrude Sportfour Lower Unit Question

[decdrummer]

Hello All!

Just got my lower unit back from the boat shop, it needed a reseal job done. My question is, when I try and reassemble the lower unit to the engine, I am hitting something that won't allow the lower unit to seat back up completely flat. In other words, I have about a 1.5" gap between the lower unit and the place it needs to bolt up to.

The motor is in neutral, but do I have to turn the flywheel at all. I have a feeling it is the drive shaft not seating in the motor properly.

Sorry for the confusion, I've installed this lower unit before many times, just have a brain fart!

Thanks for any help!

Chris

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1965 Evinrude Sportfour Lower Unit Question

Hi decdrummer. Yeah you'll have to spin the flywheel until you get it lined up with the splines on the drive shaft. It's a lot easier if you remove the spark plugs. There's really no trick to it other than trial and error and patience. Sometimes you get it on the first try, sometimes you don't and it'll drive you crazy, but your patience will be rewarded. An extra pair of hands makes it a lot easier. Just stick with it and be patient. If it was together before you took it apart, then it will go together again.

 

[decdrummer]

Re: 1965 Evinrude Sportfour Lower Unit Question

Thank you soooo much! Totally forgot about taking spark plugs out to relieve the compression and make it turn easier, lol I owe you a beer!

 

[F_R]

Re: 1965 Evinrude Sportfour Lower Unit Question

Unless you have gorilla-length arms, that is the hard way. Easier is to put the lower in reverse (push the rod down), then rotate the propeller in reverse direction as you are mating the shafts. When the splines align, it will slide right up into place.

PS---to prevent losing a hand, remove the spark plug wires from the plugs first. No need to take the plugs out though.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1965 Evinrude Sportfour Lower Unit Question

Turn the flywheel, turn the drove shaft; six of one half a dozen of the other. No need for gorilla length arms, especially on this little motor, and taking the plugs, while perhaps not necessary sure does help a lot, and completely eliminates any chance at accidental starting.

 

[decdrummer]

Re: 1965 Evinrude Sportfour Lower Unit Question

I finally got it in, just turned the flywheel with one hand while holding on to the lower unit with the other...aggravation sums it up in one word.