Lower unit installation

davej · 02 March 2014, 19:14

Hi,

I am having difficulty putting my LU back on my old 60hp 2S Merc, after doing this job probably 20 times before I was surprised when it doesnt seem to go the last 8 to 10mm and I am reluctant to force it.

Everything seems right, drive shaft in the splined socket, water tube in water pump housing, exhaust in and gearshift in socket.

It feels as though the drive shaft socket in the crankshaft is blocked with something and no I haven't put more than a smear of grease on the splines. The small pin at the end of the drive shaft is free to move but has a powerful spring in it

Could this socket get gunged up, allow the Lu out but not back? Think I might buy a boroscope and have a look up there.

Has any member had any problems like this before.

I would rather not take the block off the upper leg!

Any ideas gratefully received.

thanks Dave

A1an · 02 March 2014, 19:20

Did you take the grease off and try it? even the smallest amounts of grease can stop the driveshaft going all the way home.

yam man · 02 March 2014, 19:32

Can't see it being the grease , u sure you aligned the splines

davej · 02 March 2014, 19:47

Yes, I did but when I look up the mid section it looks fairly black and gunged up but I can't really see. What I DO KNOW IS THAT IT JUST DOESN'T quite fit.
I wonder if I can wash it out with a long thin pipe and blow some wd40 up there?

Any ideas.

Thanks

davej

davej · 02 March 2014, 21:24

I am pretty sure the drive shaft splines are all aligned as when turning the flywheel it rotates the prop shaft , obviously when in gear.

Just wondering if anybody else has had this problem

Thanks D

Nos4r2 · 02 March 2014, 23:46

Has the crap platic bush come apart that holds the shift shaft?

uncle al · 03 March 2014, 07:34

Put marine grease on the splines. But not on the top of the drive shaft.If you do it is a problem that will happen in the future.

davej · 03 March 2014, 12:52

Hi Uncle Al,

Thank you for the reply. I really do think its all gunged up, should I buy a boroscope to have a look, or make a metal rod up like a rifle cleaning rod to have a go at cleaning it up the top?

The moving load pin at the top of the drive shaft moves OK but it is stiff, should it be quite stiff the pin moves but it takes quite a force.

Any ideas grateful received.

Thanks

Dave