Yoke Assembly and O-rings - OD will not install!

[series60]

I am trying to install my OD but the O-rings (2) in the picture apparently are resisting my efforts. The outdrive slips in very easy without the o-rings but seems to require more pressure to install than I feel comfortable with. I have applied as much force as practical with to no avail (I put my shoulder into it along with ample spline grease). The O-rings are preventing the OD from sliding in all the way. What am I doing wrong?

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[mercfixer]

Re: Yoke Assembly and O-rings - OD will not install!

You arent doing anything wrong, you might want to check the engine alignment for the heck of it, those O" Rings are a pain in the neck sometimes. In the past I have had to give the drive a swift kick to get the splines past the first O' Ring. I have resorted to slamming it with a big chunk of lumber. Servicing 25 to 35 drives a season, I have yet to remove one in the fall and find the O" Rings damaged from this kinda "harsh" sounding method. I would say 7 out of 10 drives require this kind of encouragement to get the O' Rings started, not real uncommon.
Hope this helps

 

[luggnut]

Re: Yoke Assembly and O-rings - OD will not install!

Have you put oil on the orings?

 

[series60]

Re: Yoke Assembly and O-rings - OD will not install!

Have you put oil on the orings?

I used ample spline grease. I will go back and try to seat the o-rings again with a little more force! I just hate forcing stuff that my life depends on!

 

[achris]

Re: Yoke Assembly and O-rings - OD will not install!

Once you've done it a few times you will develop the 'MercKick', specifically for get drives on that last inch. I use a size 11 MercKick myself.... The new 'O' rings can be tight....

 

[Don S]

Re: Yoke Assembly and O-rings - OD will not install!

I used ample spline grease.

That may be part of your problem too. To much grease and it will push under the orings and actually lift them up and cause a hydrolock.
Clean the grease off, and use either a thin coat or even oil as suggested and see if it will slide on easier.

 

[series60]

Re: Yoke Assembly and O-rings - OD will not install!

That may be part of your problem too. To much grease and it will push under the orings and actually lift them up and cause a hydrolock.
Clean the grease off, and use either a thin coat or even oil as suggested and see if it will slide on easier.

Auh too much of a good thing! Thanks again Don, drive is on and torqued to 50"#. Waiting for fluids to start this 2 year project for the first time! And thanks to all those gracious folks on this forum for enduring my rooky questions. This has been a difficult but rewarding endeavor and one - if it floats - should last me to the grave.