Help! Mercruiser Bravo water inlet hose plastic insert installation (won't thread)

[ldnred]

I am hoping someone can help me with a trick or way to get the tapered plastic insert in the hose on the transom side. I have the special tool and have been able to get the insert in on the bell housing side, but I can't get the insert at the transom side to start threading in. There is VERY LITTLE room to work and I have spent about 6 hours today messing with this. I have the hose in place, and I am spinning the tool and insert but it won't grab.

I even tried spraying starting fluid (read it on another site) in the end of the hose to try and grip it. I could try to push it in farther before I start turning, but I am afraid the hose will slide back. I really appreciate any advice anyone can give. I am about to pull my hair out!

There is very little clearance between the back of the engine and the water inlet housing. If it helps, it is a 2004 Four Winns.

 

[btech]

Re: Help! Mercruiser Bravo water inlet hose plastic insert installation (won't thread

ps heat the rubber with a heat gun or blow dryer to soften the rubber and lightly lubricate the plastic insert you can also feed the hose further in past the housing and then start the insert thread it in just a little bit and then pull the hose from the outside till it is just sticking thru then go inside the boat and tighten it the rest of the way