Joining Upper and Lower Housings, Can't Turn Driveshaft...

[Tacoma_Dave]

Pretty much says it all. Before I replaced the impeller, I'm pretty sure I was able to turn the driveshaft by turning the propshaft. Now, when attempting to join the upper and lower housings, the driveshaft seems as if it's locked. The propshaft spins clockwise and counterclockwise freely, but the driveshaft feels locked. Is this right? Here's a brief video of what I'm encountering...

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

I believe your in neutral. Don't sweat it. The lower half shifts into forward, neutral and reverse by turning the lower shift shaft I have circled. Clockwise on the splined shaft while turning the prop CCW will put the drive in forward gear, it will lock. Turning the splined shaft CCW while turning the prop shaft CW will lock the lower in reverse, and with the splined shaft somewhere in the middle the prop shaft will freespin both ways.

The vertical shaft is tough to move because of the friction of the new impeller on it.

When you bolt the halves back together, you have to have the lower half in forward the entire time, splined shaft CW and prop shaft CCW so it locks. Keep pressure on the prop shaft to keep it locked in forward. If it gets bumped out before they are mated you have to separate enough to reach the splined shaft and turn it again CW and do it again.

With the lower half in forward, make sure the shift shaft foot in the upper half will be positioned straight ahead, that will also be forward gear, and make sure the stainless steel washer around the splined lower shift shaft is in place, they can fall out of your not paying attention.

 

[Tacoma_Dave]

I believe your in neutral. Don't sweat it. The lower half shifts into forward, neutral and reverse by turning the lower shift shaft I have circled. Clockwise on the splined shaft while turning the prop CCW will put the drive in forward gear, it will lock. Turning the splined shaft CCW while turning the prop shaft CW will lock the lower in reverse, and with the splined shaft somewhere in the middle the prop shaft will freespin both ways.

The vertical shaft is tough to move because of the friction of the new impeller on it.

When you bolt the halves back together, you have to have the lower half in forward the entire time, splined shaft CW and prop shaft CCW so it locks. Keep pressure on the prop shaft to keep it locked in forward. If it gets bumped out before they are mated you have to separate enough to reach the splined shaft and turn it again CW and do it again.

With the lower half in forward, make sure the shift shaft foot in the upper half will be positioned straight ahead, that will also be forward gear, and make sure the stainless steel washer around the splined lower shift shaft is in place, they can fall out of your not paying attention.

Gracias Eric. I'll give it a go. Thanks again. One more thing if I may...The throttle has to be in "forward" as well, yes? Seems to me that it should. It's currently in nuetral.

 

[Tacoma_Dave]

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[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Gracias Eric. I'll give it a go. Thanks again. One more thing if I may...The throttle has to be in "forward" as well, yes? Seems to me that it should. It's currently in nuetral.

Yes, when you bolt the drive back to the bellhousing on the boat, the shifter has to be in forward gear also. Let us know how you make out. Don't forget to grease the ujoints and gimbal bearing, and you should check the alignment with an alignment tool before bolting it back up. Here is a list of videos one of our mods made to help out: he has some good ones that could help you now: https://forums.iboats.com/threads/a-couple-of-new-videos.570843/

 

[Tacoma_Dave]

Gracias Eric. I'll give it a go. Thanks again.

Yes, when you bolt the drive back to the bellhousing on the boat, the shifter has to be in forward gear also. Let us know how you make out. Don't forget to grease the ujoints and gimbal bearing, and you should check the alignment with an alignment tool before bolting it back up. Here is a list of videos one of our mods made to help out: he has some good ones that could help you now: https://forums.iboats.com/threads/a-couple-of-new-videos.570843/

Yeah, maybe I'm missing something. Like I said, I know cars and motorcycles but boats are new to me. That vertical shaft simply is not turning clockwise or counterclockwise while I turn the prop shaft. Any direction is much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Tacoma_Dave]

Yes, when you bolt the drive back to the bellhousing on the boat, the shifter has to be in forward gear also. Let us know how you make out. Don't forget to grease the ujoints and gimbal bearing, and you should check the alignment with an alignment tool before bolting it back up. Here is a list of videos one of our mods made to help out: he has some good ones that could help you now: https://forums.iboats.com/threads/a-couple-of-new-videos.570843/

Oooooh! The shift drive! Those links definitely are helpful! Thank you Eric!

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Here is a link to his video for the impeller but the link will take you to the end of the video when he talks about the shift shaft and locking the prop in gear:

 

[Tacoma_Dave]

Here is a link to his video for the impeller but the link will take you to the end of the video when he talks about the shift shaft and locking the prop in gear:

Yes, those links are invaluable. I watched it and was able to get the prop locked. The driveshaft is still locked in place...Is that normal if it is in forward? Reason I ask is because I know for certain that I was able to turn the prop before and watch the vertical driveshaft turn as well. I just don't want to put this thing back together and have that shaft jam and suffer damage.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

If it spun for you before the impeller, there's nothing I could think of at this point your at that could have screwed anything up. If you put the prop back on you should be able to spin that vertical shaft by Turing the prop while the lower is in gear. It will still be tough because of that new impeller.

 

[Tacoma_Dave]

If it spun for you before the impeller, there's nothing I could think of at this point your at that could have screwed anything up. If you put the prop back on you should be able to spin that vertical shaft by Turing the prop while the lower is in gear. It will still be tough because of that new impeller.

OK, thanks. I'll try that.

 

[achris]

Remove the impeller and try again. If it turns freely, put the impeller back on (exactly as I have in the video) and try again. It's normal for a new impeller to be quite firm, I usually use a set of slip-joint pliers GENTLY on the splines...

Chris......

 

[Tacoma_Dave]

Remove the impeller and try again. If it turns freely, put the impeller back on (exactly as I have in the video) and try again. It's normal for a new impeller to be quite firm, I usually use a set of slip-joint pliers GENTLY on the splines...

Chris......

Your video proved to be invaluable. Your statement about tightening the nuts "firmly" was the trick. Apparently I tightened them down too much. I backed them off a bit, slipped the prop on the shaft and was able to turn the driveshaft. Than you for the info and tanks everyone for the help. Now I'm off the the Lowes for my washers. Take care.