Long time lurker with a question...

[basenjib123]

I just did the water pump on my 2008 F150 25" Shaft motor. I made 2 attempts to install it and couldn't get it to go. I guess I'm getting too old because I couldn't hold it long enough for more than 2 attempts...neither worked ...stopped about 2" for seating. Its hard to see if things line up as that 5" spacer seems to block much of the view. Control is in N and I can spin the the prop freely so thats in N..(correct me if I'm wrong on anything).. Would having somebody move the flywheel by hand help, if so do I need to remove the spark plugs to do that? Any tips would be appreciated.

[pstephens46]

Certainly helps if you have another person. Mine sometimes jams on the shifter connection. The smaller shift shaft has to "mate" just as the drive shaft. I had to push the top shift shaft section over to center it for the lower shift shaft to join up with a screwdriver. Had to have someone else lifting while I was centering if you are following me.... Study the area at the front of mid-section so you will see what I am referring to. That's my experience. There are some other things that may not be lining up too. Water tube, etc.

Put some grease on the mid-shaft bushing too...

[DennisG01]

You would definitely need (want) to remove the plugs to make it easier to rotate the flywheel.

Here's a suggestion... use ratchet straps (from the lower unit to the mid-section) to hold the lower unit in place and tighten the ratchet strap to raise the lower unit up. No need to work harder when you can work smarter! It takes a bit longer this way, but it makes it very stress free!

[fairdeal]

You would definitely need (want) to remove the plugs to make it easier to rotate the flywheel.

hmmm - I was just about to suggest the opposite -

that IF it is the splines not lining up, the amount of "rotation" that would be needed is so minimal (<1/2 of a single spline)
that it certainly is not worth pulling the plugs...YMMV.

what has kicked my butt is as pstephens describes - the "slop" in the shift rod

which I demonstrate here in this video:

https://vid.me/sdPN

[DennisG01]

hmmm - I was just about to suggest the opposite -

that IF it is the splines not lining up, the amount of "rotation" that would be needed is so minimal (<1/2 of a single spline)
that it certainly is not worth pulling the plugs...YMMV.

You're probably right, it would likely only take a tiny bit of movement. You might even be able to "jiggle" the flywheel back and forth just enough to get things lining up. Try it without removing, remove if necessary. Although, if the plugs haven't been pulled to look at in a while, maybe kill two birds with one stone.

[pstephens46]

hmmm - I was just about to suggest the opposite -

that IF it is the splines not lining up, the amount of "rotation" that would be needed is so minimal (<1/2 of a single spline)
that it certainly is not worth pulling the plugs...YMMV.

what has kicked my butt is as pstephens describes - the "slop" in the shift rod

which I demonstrate here in this video:

https://vid.me/sdPN

With the F150, you can manipulate from outside of lower unit. There is a gap where it passes from lower to mid-section. Would be difficult to do this while holding the lower unit. Hence, second person needed. If you have one of those big, strapping Midwestern wives, I bet she could handle it.

Also, avoid twisting the lower, you will break the plastic speedometer connection.

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Definitely two people (I have the same engine, 25" shaft).

Initially when re-installing, it stopped. Turn the DRIVE-SHAFT, just a knats hair and it'll go in.

It also helps to put some grease on the rubber "boot" for the water intake.

If two folks are not available, get two long metric bolts (same threads as the mid section). Cut the heads off and thread into the mid-section (forward most holes) to help align the LU. Now the last critical 1-2" is a bit easier and less likely to bust off the plastic speedometer tube.

Make sure there's NO excess grease ATOP the splines and plenty of YAMAHA waterproof grease around the mid section bushing.. (don't use other grease or it'll squeak and you get a "do over"..

[DennisG01]

Question... if you put the lower unit into gear (and matched the shift lever), couldn't you just turn the propeller to line things up?

[basenjib123]

Thanks for the replies, I really appreciate.

Thanks guys.

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Question... if you put the lower unit into gear (and matched the shift lever), couldn't you just turn the propeller to line things up?

Probably could BUT now the shifter spline on the LU is IN gear while the same shaft (higher) is in NEUTRAL.

When we did mine about 1.5 months ago, we ran into the same issue. We simply lowered the LU just enough to reach in, rotate the DRIVESHAFT just a half a spline(figure that amount out!!), and it slipped right in..

(just an FYI, if not known, the LU is splined and the upper shaft is splined, so they simply meet in the last inch or so of them bolting together)

[DennisG01]

Probably could BUT now the shifter spline on the LU is IN gear while the same shaft (higher) is in NEUTRAL.

But couldn't you put the shifter spline into gear via the shift/control lever at the helm? Or am I missing something?

[panasonic]

A video is worth a thousand words...You Bigger HP Yamaha engine guys tell me what size motor this is and if this video is applicable to this thread. I think it is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srGVSl4_n8Q

[pstephens46]

Couldn't tell you the engine. Not huge though.
This guy has some good videos. Sometimes, after a project, he will give his closing speech with a beer in hand. Wonder if this technique will work with the 130 lb F350 lower?

[basenjib123]

Great info ...

The one disadvantage that I see is that with the 5" spacer on the 25" it makes it very difficult to see what is happening once the lower unit is almost on.

[panasonic]

Couldn't tell you the engine. Not huge though.
This guy has some good videos. Sometimes, after a project, he will give his closing speech with a beer in hand. Wonder if this technique will work with the 130 lb F350 lower?

I am sure it will...just need a good heavy ratchet strap..

He has good videos.