Mercruiser 470 - shifter/lower unit assembly

[tony_hyder]

Hey,
Mercruiser 470
Alpha 1
1980 Sea Ray 192

Upon replacement of impeller, i for the life of me cannot get the lower unit back on to meet up with the brass (clutch dog?). I have read multiple places and they say to put the shifter in forward position, put the lower unit in forward gear, and be done with it. In my case, i can get it on but when turning the prop while in forward, it has a clicking/clanking noise as if it is not completely in gear. This is also true when the motor is running and put into forward. I have messed with the clutch dog numerous times and cannot seem to get it right. The only thing i have not tried is putting the lever in neutral position and putting the the lower unit in neutral as well. (just heard this tonight).

Any help or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser 470 - shifter/lower unit assembly

When you have the gear housing (you call 'lower unit') in forward you need to turn the propeller backwards or it will move out of forward... Once it's on and still in forward, if you turn the prop forward it will click and clank, that's normal, it's the dog clutch ratcheting over on the backside of the cutting...

Chris.....

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Mercruiser 470 - shifter/lower unit assembly

Chris+1. Put the outdrive in forward, and turn the prop COUNTERCLOCKWISE until it locks, then use a bungee to hold it there. If you need to turn the prop a little to get the driveshaft splines to line up, turn CCW only. To whoever said put both in neutral, do not ever listen to them again.

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser 470 - shifter/lower unit assembly

.... To whoever said put both in neutral, do not ever listen to them again.

I've done it once in neutral... but it's bloody difficult! Stick to it being in forward....

 

[tony_hyder]

Re: Mercruiser 470 - shifter/lower unit assembly

Thanks so much for the information. As it turns out, a friend and I were actually doing it correctly. For some reason the shift cable was out of adjustment. I spun the barrel a few times and PRESTO! Took it out today finally. Ran into more problems with starter and thermostat. I will open a new thread on the starter. Thanks again! This site is a life saver!