Drive Install Advice
 

:mad: OSO Buddies,I need advice on a problem before I torch my project.Here we go.

This weekend I installed two HP transoms and two 502 engines in my Fountain.I spent about 7 hours trying to get my port side drive installed with no success.I have all the tools and read the Merc. man. and even read all post here related to the issue.I had a hard time aligning the engine with the tool at first.I then used a little persuasion to get the tool to enter the coupler.I then hooked up my lift and adjusted the motor to where the tool will go about 7/8 of the way in with just a push and the rest of the way with a tap of the palm.The tool needs a twist but then will slip right out.For the life of me we can't get the drive to go on.It goes into the coupler one inch and stops.We moved the motor,tried taping the drive, pushed till our boots wore out,no luck.The starboard side went in the first try and the tool was a little harder to install on this side then the other,we even removed the starboard side and switched drives.The port drive went right in on the starboard side.We looked inside the transom and coupler and can't find anything.I was thinking maybe I screwed up a spline or two on the coupler when I persuaded the tool into place?I am going to pull the motor tomorrow and look an the splines up close and personal.Any one have any other idea as to what it could be??????Help!!!! :mad: :mad:

Thanks Nordic95

Re: Drive Install Advice
 

Nordic95. Hi! I sometimes have a drive that won't go in.
New gimbal or replacement gimbal.
What I have done in the past is. I will stick the alignment bar in and once its as far as it will go I hit it with a mallet or sand filled mallet. I hit the top then I hit the bottom. you can hit it from side to side. make sure you use a mallet. Remember your not trying to drive a train track to the ground but loosen the gimbal bearing. In the past I've only had to hit it a few times. If you have any problems give me a call. Hope this helps.

Best Regards Phil

Re: Drive Install Advice
 

Thanks but I tried all that.I spoke with Goodt from here on the site and he explained that to me already.Thats how I got the alignment tool to go in like it does now.I am baffled because the tool goes in so well and the drive hits a wall.I am so sore from this weekend I can't stand it.We must have tried that drive twenty five different ways,no good.

Nordic95

Re: Drive Install Advice
 

What shape are the o-ring on the Yoke assembly/coupler end?

Re: Drive Install Advice
 

part # 22. and part #21. Sometime those o-ring get slammed and out of shape. You would be surprised what those 0-rings can do.

Best Regards Phil

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_...ift+Components

Re: Drive Install Advice
 

These are brand new XR drives.Everything in good or great shape.

Re: Drive Install Advice
 

o-ring are in good shape after trying to put the drive on?

Re: Drive Install Advice
 

The drive wouldn't even go as far as to hit the studs on the bell housing.I don't even think the o rings made it to the bearing.From what I could see the yoke only went into coupler about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.I'm thinking where the ring is cut into the coupler for grease is where the splines may be flattened out or something from hitting in the alignment tool.Its the only thing I can think of.Item #21,what is its purpose.It dose not touch anything when fully installed on starboard side?

Re: Drive Install Advice
 

Have you eye balled it? nothing in there foreign objects or to much grease?

Re: Drive Install Advice
 

Checked it all,even tried moving the inside transom plate and motor to no avail.