Lower Unit....HELP!!!

[Kill it n grill it]

I got the outdrive installed on my 1969 MC160 IL 6cyl. I am having a problem getting the lower unit in place. I can get it in and then about 1" shy I can't get it to slide in any further. Please, any thoughts?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Lower Unit....HELP!!!

Howdy,


I just LOVE your user name!!!


Make certain the drive is in FWD and the shifter is too. It won't stay though....

Use a bungee cord or other stretchy strap to place CCW pressure on the prop to hold the clutch-dogs in place and the shift shaft in FWD.


Also, ensure that you don't have any corrosion on the yoke and splines as it can impede it's insertion into the coupler.

If you put too much grease in the coupler it can cause a hydraulic "lock" and prevent you from sliding it all the way in easily.


Sometimes there's O-rings on the yoke that may impede it from sliding into the gimbal bearing.


Regards,


Rick

 

[Kill it n grill it]

Re: Lower Unit....HELP!!!

Thank you very much. We are firm believers in "Kill it n Grill it" and "Earn it n Burn it". lol

Thanks for the help. I did put a bunch of grease on the drive shaft.

I do have another question. For some reason my tilt and trim goes all the way up but stops about four inches shy of the stop bold on it's way down. Could this just be a matter of bleeding the hydrolics and replacing the oil. I don't know how long but I'm sure it sat for a good while.

Thanks again.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Lower Unit....HELP!!!

Well it depends on why it's stopping. does it seem to be running out of fluid or is it sticking on something? The pump might be a little worn out.....or those old trim cylinders might be a little rusty inside.

I had a 66 model Mercruiser and it didn't do trim. It only tilted. I can't remember when Merc made the hydraulics powerful enough to trim the drive.....