Nearly there-lower leg reinstalltion issues

[Justinde]

Hi All

The exhaust plate is replaced- new gaskets and fresh water sourced second hand plate is on. I replaced the waterpump/impellor etc, and now I am trying to reattach the lower leg to the engine. :facepalm:I had my mate with me, but for the life of me, we couldnt get the splines to line up. We tried a 3rd person turning the flywheel as we pushed, but I just dont think it was aligning itself properly. Other than the very well written sticky on waterpump replacement, does anyone have any tricks or suggestions, or do I just have to persist.

Cheers

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Nearly there-lower leg reinstalltion issues

Put it in gear.As you lift the drive turn the prop.You could be off of the hole by a bit. Just keep trying.J

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Nearly there-lower leg reinstalltion issues

The bottom of the crank shaft is beveled a bit but it doesn't take much misalignment to miss the splined hole and it can be frustrating.

You need to tilt the engine up so you are working higher. Then trying to keep the driveshaft parallel to the inside of the case, push it up. NOW when you contact the bottom of the engine you must wiggle it around a bit until you find the hole. Now you can twist the whole lower unit a bit to try and line up the splines or turn the shaft or flywheel. I twist the lower unit.

Sometimes it takes a while to find the hole and frequently the shaft seal and steel ring will come off. However, if you do it enough times you will develpo a knack or feel for it.

 

[Bustedknuckle84]

Re: Nearly there-lower leg reinstalltion issues

what motor do you have? I had same issue on my 98 force, if its the extended shaft there is a coupler that attaches the (lower unit shift shaft) to (midsection shift shaft) make sure its installed on the right side. also push down on the prop blade (counter rotation)you should feel resistence if not pull up on the porp blade.

 

[Cannondale]

Re: Nearly there-lower leg reinstalltion issues

Put it in gear.As you lift the drive turn the prop.You could be off of the hole by a bit. Just keep trying.J

Exactly how I did mine a couple of weeks ago. Had to do it by myself so the turn the flywheel option was not practical. But putting the LU in gear and turning the prop worked--it went together easier than I anticipated.

 

[Justinde]

Re: Nearly there-lower leg reinstalltion issues

Silly Question.... How do I put it into gear, and then- once assembled take it out of gear and attach the gear shift linkage?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Nearly there-lower leg reinstalltion issues

Push down on the shift shaft.Turning the prop till you see the drive shaft turning,J

 

[Cannondale]

Re: Nearly there-lower leg reinstalltion issues

Remember, the driveshaft always turns clockwise, so if you're turning the prop clockwise and the driveshaft begins to turn counter-clockwise, you're in reverse.

And personally, I found it easier to put both the lower unit and the motor into forward when reattaching the shift linkage. Just what worked for me.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Nearly there-lower leg reinstalltion issues

I found pushing the shaft down is easier cause you might push it out of gear when you try to lift it.When it's down it can't go any further and won't go out of gear.J

 

[Justinde]

Re: Nearly there-lower leg reinstalltion issues

Wow. Its together, and I started it........ It had a small miss, but one of the exhaust bolts needs to be retentioned, as it had a very minor leak. But for the moment, it started, ran, spat out water ( maybe in one place it shouldn't have) however, I am sure it is a retention away from perfection ( next a link & sync )

Cheers

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Nearly there-lower leg reinstalltion issues

Keep at it and you'll be ready for winter fishing.J