OK, got the motors aligned with the gimble bearings, transom assemblies are on and everything looks ready.

Shifters are in forward and the part on the outdrive is lined up straight, but the drives do not want to go all the way on. Is it just a function of fidgitting untill they slip on or is there something that I am missing? Looks like it is the main drive shaft hanging up, not the drive case or shifting linkage.

Any help or ideas/hints?

Alpha one, first generation.

thank you,

Brian

I put a prop on and turn it to help mesh the splines and get it started. Also you can have someone get in the boat and help get the shaft started into the coupler. Other than that its kind of like humping a chimpanzee

Wow, did NOT need that visual!

Thanks though!

Better the Humper than the Humpee..LOL

Brian...make sure the drive is in forward gear. With a prop installed...turn the prop left and right until the splines line up...then push it home.

And make sure the little nub on the shifter linkage is sliding into the slot. Everything can be lined up and that stupid little nub doesnt want to go. Also on the lower portion of the drive there is a little L-shaped lever, make sure that is also lined up with the transom assembly or it can hang up and get you within an inch of seating only to let you down. Ask me how I know. Good luck!

Ok, will try again on Monday. Was leaving on Friday when I remembered the forklift, will slide the forks together and use that to hold he drive, then slide it in. I think not trying to mount an alpha while installing it might stop the chip part!

The linkage was not binding and the shifter lever was sliding in correct. Felt like it was inside, mainly due to drive shaft.

Brian

Did you put some spline grease on the input shaft & O rings? You might also check the coupler, if splines are worn or too much lube can cause a hydraulic lock because it wont compress as the shaft goes in. Just a thought, Randy

Ended up getting them on. Watched a guy do it on youtube. There was no Chimp involved, instead he built a simple stand to hold the drive so they could slide it on. Starting thinking about it when I remembered I could just use the forklift! Duh!

Having the ability to lift, tilt, and slide the drive around and then move it, push it, and tug it while calmly looking at points of contact was the key. Even stop, climb into the boat and feel the splines going into the coupler.

thanks all.

Brian