73 evinrude 65hp triump

[Tail_Gunner]

I have recently run into this outboard it belongs to a close friend, so before starting it I replaced the water pump. No problems getting it off but now I cant get the last inch to mate up.It was disassembled in the forward gear released the shifting rod etc, it goes in smoothly I try to rotate the prop and still a no go and its not the shift rod that's a 1/2 inch away yet.

 

[F_R]

Have to ask, are you using the guide tube for the water tube? But it really sounds like the drive shaft splines are not aligned. Have the lower unit in gear and turn the prop till the splines align and it should slide right up in place. Safety warning: Be sure key is turned off, or better yet pull the spark plug boots off the plugs. You really don't want that thing to start up and chop your hand off.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

I don't believe im misaligning the shift rod, its in a very small rubber access port in the front of the leg, now maybe the water tubes are hanging up some how I guess ill lube them and retry again. Battery is disconnected and the prop is turning along with the sea pump.....that would be crazy for a water tube to hang up but it must be that I hope.

Just read this from jtexas: when you mate the two halves, you might have to rotate the flywheel just a tiny bit to mesh the splines - no fasteners there. manual calls for molly lube on the splines, the OEM water pump kit includes a little packet of it, but not on the top of the driveshaft, the clearance is too tight.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Water pickup tube was the culprit, I would like to post some pictures but no PB that's too bad. First outboard ive worked on quirky little things.