Lower wont fully seat after doing impeller

[jturbo86]

I removed the lower (in full forward) and now when I try to put it back together, there is a one inch gap. Ive rotate the prop for an hour and its just not doing it, very well greased as well.

Also, another concern I have is that the drive does not like to say in the forward position, it will gladly stay in reverse as I rotate the prop to get the shaft to turn, but if I put it in forward (right handed prop, clockwise for forward).

Bare with me here, im extremely mechanically inclined but this is my first time doing an impeller. I wouldn't be asking if I wasnt completely at a loss. Thanks for any help you can offer.

Bertram 20' merc 470/bravo gen 1

 

[jturbo86]

Ok so it was the splines, but still confused as to why it keeps going into reverse.... I locked the prop with a ratchet strap prior to install to hold it in F and now it seems like its back in R after installation?

 

[Bt Doctur]

the propeller turns to the right so to keep it locked you turn it to the left, this if fwd.
to install a lower unit you are actually turning the prop backwards(to the left) to turn the driveshaft splines to line up while in fwd gear.

 

[jturbo86]

Ahhhhh this makes sense now, thank you. It's re-installed but after taking a long rest... and drinking a few beers I installed everything and forgot to zinc bolt back off it comes tomorrow. But now I know...... thanks again for the response

 

[nola mike]

Ahhhhh this makes sense now, thank you. It's re-installed but after taking a long rest... and drinking a few beers I installed everything and forgot to zinc bolt back off it comes tomorrow. But now I know...... thanks again for the response

I've done that before. Doubt we're the first 2.