1978 merc 9.8 hp 110. How do I align the lower unit, will not go back in

[johnmcntshsr]

Help. Serial number 4998696
My lower unit will not come together with upper. I have greased the splines turned prop to re-align the splines. Shifted gears, (it is now back to neutral which is where it was when i took it off) I am simply about an inch away and cannot get ot together and am afraid of hitting to hard.
Are there any tricks out there that I do not know about?

 

[racerone]

Keep the space between the exhaust housing the same front and back.---That helps in getting the driveshaft into the crankshaft.Other than that you may need to slowly turn the flywheel to get splines to engage.---------Never had any problems doing this procedure on numerous motors.-------------The guide tube for the water tube is in place I hope.

 

[johnmcntshsr]

Thanks Racer, I will check the guide tube but I think it is in. I spin the prop to position the splines, Should I be using the flywheel?