This 6-year-old video is still helping people in 2023. I was having a tough time getting my Yamaha 90 2-stroke lower lined up and back on. My arms and back want to thank you for the excellent idea of using the ratchet strap. That worked so well that I am ashamed for not thinking of it myself. Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to make this video and especially for sharing the tips on putting the outboard in reverse and using the prop to align the drive shaft when reassembling the unit, and using the ratchet strap to hold the lower unit in place. These were very helpful and helped make it easier and safer when handling a heavy lower unit. May the Good Lord bless you for helping me and others by sharing your knowledge and wisdom on this subject. Thanks
I replaced the water pump then had no shift engage, your video showed me exactly what to check. Sure enough shift splines were off. Used your strap trick worked great Many thanks
I was having an issue with aligning everything and your video gave me the information in under 5 minutes. I have watched several of your videos and am very grateful you are providing people with this info for free. I truly appreciate you!
I have done the water pump so many times on my Mercruiser Sterndrive. Now I have twin Yamaha 130s and replaced the impellers for the first time. Got everything together and had no forward or reverse. Thought maybe I bumped the props and moved the spline shaft when re attaching the lower. Just looked at your video and sure enough - Not lined up - on both! Ratchet straps definitely helped! You are the man! Thanks!
Thanks so much for making this video, I have a Yamaha 150 and it would not go back in the last inch after changing out the impeller, I watched your video put it in gear with the prop on and jiggled it left and right as I was pushing up, slid right in. Couldn’t have done it without you, I sat there for 45 minutes banging my head against the wall, pushing and wiggling but it would not go on before finding your video, also the ratchet straps were a great idea.
Hi Stu, Thanks for the great idea of the ratchet strap. I went out and purchased one to help me put my Chrysler 75 hp lower leg back into the motor. I had to watch another youtube video to show how to properly use a ratchet strap. They are not the easiest things to get working properly. I ended up using the ratchet strap and a floor jack to slowly lift the lower unit into the motor until it clunked into the proper position when the splines aligned. There is not a lot of clearance aligning the lower leg into the upper leg housing. Thanks again. You are the best.
+1 on the ratchet straps! I'm a first-time boat owner of an '85 Four Winns 210 that overheated on my 3rd trip out. I watched several videos about replacing the water pump (alpha 1 1st gen w/5.7L I/O) and you were the first I saw with this technique. My initial approach was using a 2x4 under the skeg for leverage, but I was still unable to keep the prop in gear long enough to turn the shaft for spline engagement. With a swim platform, I hooked the straps to the tow hook and routed them through the boards to grab the lower unit as close to center as possible. I had it engaged correctly on my first attempt with the prop in gear and straps in the center--after an hour or more trying to muscle it in without the straps... Bravo, sir!
Just a quick note to thank you for the series of videos on servicing the outboard lower unit! Your videos helped me serviced of our 96 Mercury 40hp 2 Stroke outboard. We bought this boat used about 6 years ago and it has been running fair until the reverse gear was not engaging about a year ago. I have put looking into it since we can still go forward and have a trolling motor in front of this Bass Tracker that can help me maneuver.... But this winter season was the time to do it and your videos and your calm and encouraging presentation was what I needed... I started the pull out process on March 21, 2021 and completed the replacements of the water pump unit; oil seals and o-rings for the shifter, shift cam and cam follower; oil seals and o-rings for the bearing carrier; the shift and throttle cables; greased up; oiled up; and reinstalled using this video for the tip on the ratchet and the gear to reconnect. Everything went well with the reinstalled. But of course, the biggest test was whether or not I can actually make the boat go forward, neutral and reverse??? You bet cha it did and I had a cold one right after....Sorry for the long note but credit is due and must be shared. Thank you. (Jim from Discovery Bay, Ca, USA).
I have done this water pump few times alone struggling the whole way. I went out and bought the ratchet strap and it took ten minutes to reinstall the lower unit, Everything lined up perfectly, thank you for this tip!
Thank you so much for the tip on using a ratchet strap. My boat is on a pontoon with limited room behind the motor. I was worried about dropping the leg when it came off. The ratchet strap worked to assist me and give me the confidence I needed, doing this for the first time. One tip for newbies though - when I reassembled and tested the pump using a set of muffs, I had no water flow when I started the engine. Despite being sure that I had done everything correctly I pulled the leg off and dis-assembled everything a second time. A second re-assembly and test also proved negative with no water flow. Problem was that I didnt have enough water pressure to prime the pump. When I placed the leg in the water of our canal and completely submerged it as in normal operation Bingo! a strong flow from the outlet.
Dude! I have been regretting doing my second impeller change out in 3 years on the same 90 Yamy. Took the third person that helped me to get it aligned. For some reason with him we hoisted up and slid right in. This trick has encouraged me and as a matter of fact I’m gonna do it right now. Thanks for teaching us home mechanics something we should have already thought of. Power to you!
I have been slowly going thru all the mechanicals on my 2008 Klamath console/windshield boat I bought this summer, already changed all fluids and complete tuneup, and just got done rebuilding the waterpump and reinstalled the lower unit, gears would not shift in and out so I knew I had done something wrong, using your ratchet strap method and the wife we quickly lowered the lower unit a bit and sure enough the lower unit gear spline hadn't lined up with the receiver cable, thus no gears when I tried them, so a quick fix and all is back together now. Thanks so much for your youtube video it really helped. Just installed a new Terrova 12V troll motor and direction puck, and am now waiting on a new Humminbird Helix 7 fish finder to install. Should be back in business fishing in a couple weeks. Thanks for your help.
You saved me with the tip at 3:10. I had put everything together and it wouldn't go in gear. I had missed the tube. Once I lined it up of course, it worked perfectly. Thanks a ton!
Just got a used boat and starting to do some maint. on it when I found this channel. I'm replacing the impeller and this is going to be extremely helpful. Very thankful for people like you. You are saving us all $1,000's of dollars. Thanks buddy!
The ratchet strap is the Best ‘trick’ ever! I used it today and it worked perfectly for a one-man water pump job. I also have to give a shoutout to his testing a water pump video. After I finished and tested the water pump, the flow was pathetic and at throttle up, even stopped. I took off the muffs, filled up a barrel to fully submerge the lower until it was at the same level it would be on the water. When I tested again, the stream was strong at idle and throttle up. Don’t depend on muffs to determine if your water pump is working properly.
Hey stu I have watched all your videos up to nov 2018. Went back to this because I had trouble selecting reverse gear on my Johnson 90hp. I now do most things myself on my boat because of your videos. Your a legend and good luck with the trawler. Keep up the good work.
Just did mine today on 70hp 1987 model nissan. The ratchet strap made things so much easier. Not light but not real heavy either but the weight is so unbalanced that having that ratchet strap give you a break is awesome. Thanks so much for your videos. Love your channel!
Thanks for this! First timer at water pump/impeller replacement here and I was going mad trying to get everything lined up during my installation of my Mercruiser Alpha 1 gen 2 lower unit (single-handed 😂) So, took a break and surfed RUclips for help-found your video and a light bulb 💡 went on. Splines weren’t matching up which is why I just got that heavy clunk/stop and of course using a ratchet strap is pure genius for making small adjustments as the 2 halves join up. Went back to the job and had it done in 20 minutes- big thumbs up 👍 from me mate-saved my sanity. BTW- the Mercruiser lower unit is much harder to see what you are aligning, splines , water hose, gear selector, so what is a big help is using a small dental mirror inside the gap as they are coming together just for peace of mind, if you are keen enough to take this job on by yourself.
Oh man, in just a few days you have become such a God for me: not having ever touched an outboard and knowing ours really needed a good service after 3 years I was able to manage a full revision thanks to all your video's. You should make it possible for us viewers to make donations, as for all the money you safe us being able to DIY. Please do share how I can make contribution. You rock!
Thanks Joris, glad you've been enjoying the vids. There is a link to my Patreon account in the descriptions for the newer videos or a PayPal link on the channel page. All donations are always greatly appreciated! :)
So ingenious...all my mechanics were struggling to rotate the flywheel to align the shafts, and all it needs is to leave in gear and rotate the propeller...Noble Prize :)
Installed my first lower unit on an Evinrude E-tec yesterday. Had a mighty struggle yntil I took a break an watched this video. Bravo on the strap and the penlight aided peek to see where I was failing. Thank you sir.
I know I need some kind of helper, but being the maverick(aka; moron), I am, I had to try it without the strap. Needless to say, I got frustrated, stopped working, had a beer, while I looked through my work shop, (aka; my mess) for a strap. And with the strap it was a piece of cake. Thanks brother!
Making switch from 10 years of Mercruiser sterndrive to my first Mercury outboard rebuild. Spring clutch through me for bit of loop. Ratchet strap is brillant!!
I just wanted to say thanks. I have watched dozens of your videos and have learned so much. You have enabled me to work on my own equipment without having to rely on a slow and expensive dealership mechanic. Thanks again!
i was about to drop my lower unit today, then i realized how difficult it would be to try to reposition it. Thanks for the tips about being in gear and ratchet straps, saved me a big headache
@@DangarMarine after I took lower unit off and put back on, won't shift into forward gear...'78 evinrude 150. The shift lever won't move forward at all
Thanks Jason. I'm really enjoying making them because there are so many things I wanted to film that just aren't long enough to make into a main video.
wow this is excellent, thank you. I bought the manual and it is pure crap; the instructions say "re-assemble engine". Your video's are genius. You show us everything to look for. Thank you so much
I rarely comment on videos, but wanted to give you big thanks for the tips ( especially the ratchet strap )...Made my first LU re-install a piece of cake!
Thank you so much for the ratchet strap trick. I don't know why I never thought of that myself, but it's genius. Having just tried it after doing an impeller swap it was the easiest reinstall I've ever had. Thanks again. Awesome Channel man.
I really like your use of the ratchet strap. I also liked the fact that you showed the specific connections that we have to mate. I was recently given a boat and am trying to learn to do maintenance on it and I will be changing a water pump in a 1998 Yamaha 115 2 stroke for the first time. Your videos are very helpful.
YOU ARE AWESOME! Thank you so much for this video and all of your other videos. I have rebuilt a 1969 Johnson Evinrude 85hp hydroshift outboard engine and I have used your video for reference for learning things about the boat. This was the last step in getting the thing back up and running. Thank you!
That's a great tip Stu! Nothing's worse than dropping the "foot" on your foot! I'll remember this for my upcoming water pump impeller change in the spring.
Well thanks. Now I feel pretty stupid for all the fighting I've done with these over the years. Work smarter, not harder. Your videos are the best and I often look to see if you have already done a video on a task that I plan on doing on my outboards. Thank you very much! Liked and Subscribed!
Brotherman - you have shown what it truly means to "Work SMART - not hard." In all the years I've been doing this... I never thought of using a ratchet strap. BRILLIANT! (like when they first put beer in a bottle) ;)
Hay thanks it true one learns something new every day. I got a ratchet strap and that’s just what I needed. I got 50 hp mariner 1985 I just put a new water pump and housing in it. I also had it in reverse I thought I had the gear shaft in right but as I went to test the pump i notice it wouldn’t shift so I had to unbolt it again and try to line it back up not to essay by myself I already got bad shoulders that really makes it hard pain pain. I believe that ratchet strap will do the trick I’ll use that tomorrow thank you sr.
I have always struggled with Yamaha shift shafts lining up. Even slicing my hand to turn the prop for the drive shaft. I used ratchet straps in the past but it slipped my mind. Going to use the strap on this 225 now....thanks 👍
Always nice to see a mechanic that knows his stuff. Well done. Oh yeah, I saw it mentioned elsewhere but when you said have a torch handy I nearly spit my coffee out since I instantly thought you were gonna heat something with it. LOL Bloody hell.
Yeah man. It's just funny how we use different terms for the same object. I knew what you meant, of course. It was just one of those instant reactions. I recently completed a pump kit on my Merc but didn't use the strap and it went okay. I used some cobbled up blocking and a small floor jack to hold it until I got everything situated but the strap is the way to go. I will surely remember it and that could be used for other things as well. I subbed your channel in case I get in a bind someday and can find advice, or advise if you prefer.
I am doing this very job this weekend on my 150 Yammy only having done a smaller outboard before. This (particularly the strap ) is a great tip. Thanks from Cape Cod.
Yea, trying to put in a new gearbox in neutral (Honda factory setting) didn't work, tried it with my wife helping out instead of a strap, so you taught me a few things there. One suggestion I would make is to show us how to properly position the lower shift rod in the reverse position, without damaging the splines of course :-)
As always, there is a custom tool for shifting those splines, but it is pretty tough metal so pliers generally don't damage it. I find the straps great, I've never had a heated argument with one yet. ;)
Thanks Stu! This is (as usual) VERY useful information and as always very educational. I just love the way you share what you do and all of your knowledge! Anders from Sweden
with a Yamaha unit as shown leaving the motor in neutral and making a very slight twist makes quick work of the install. the lack of studs and use of bolts allow the Yamaha and some other brands to twist. mercury uses studs so putting them in reverse like shown makes it easy. the key is having all fasteners and tools in arms reach.
+jahosaphet05 Yes, having everything in reach is a good tip I should have mentioned. Nothing worse than getting in place and spotting the bolts across the room!
Thanks for the explanation because I have a problem to install the lower unit in my Yamaha 200 when I put de shaft he can't don't enter, know I see this video I'm more relaxing to install again
No ego no BS and 100% pure help. You keep being you. My honda bf 75 with a merc bottom end does not like staying in reverse when not running it tries to spring into neutral... can forward be used instead?
Your videos are great. I always wondered why there's no gasket between those two main upper and lower parts ? Water could potentially get in, but on all the outboards I see there is never a gasket to prevent it.
I now feel like a complete idiot. I fought with a mercury lower in the shop today for almost 2 hours even with "help" it was a mess.I wish I had though of the ratchet strap trick.Thanks for the info.
This 6-year-old video is still helping people in 2023. I was having a tough time getting my Yamaha 90 2-stroke lower lined up and back on. My arms and back want to thank you for the excellent idea of using the ratchet strap. That worked so well that I am ashamed for not thinking of it myself. Thank you!
Best idea ever to use the ratchet strap ! Made it so easy after trying for hours
The ratchet strap to lift the lower unit saved my back! Great tip!
Thank you for taking the time to make this video and especially for sharing the tips on putting the outboard in reverse and using the prop to align the drive shaft when reassembling the unit, and using the ratchet strap to hold the lower unit in place. These were very helpful and helped make it easier and safer when handling a heavy lower unit. May the Good Lord bless you for helping me and others by sharing your knowledge and wisdom on this subject. Thanks
I'm late to the party to thank you here in 2024. Ratchet strap and your discussion saved my bacon. Thanks.
I replaced the water pump then had no shift engage, your video showed me exactly what to check. Sure enough shift splines were off. Used your strap trick worked great Many thanks
So far you've taught me to install a water pump, test it, install a lower unit and check a thermostat...keep them coming...cheers!
In case nobody else has said it, thanks your common sense approach and inventive ways have made my life a lot easier. Thank you
I was having an issue with aligning everything and your video gave me the information in under 5 minutes. I have watched several of your videos and am very grateful you are providing people with this info for free. I truly appreciate you!
Thanks mate, you're most welcome. :)
I have done the water pump so many times on my Mercruiser Sterndrive. Now I have twin Yamaha 130s and replaced the impellers for the first time. Got everything together and had no forward or reverse. Thought maybe I bumped the props and moved the spline shaft when re attaching the lower. Just looked at your video and sure enough - Not lined up - on both! Ratchet straps definitely helped! You are the man! Thanks!
Glat to hear you got the problem solved!
Using the ratchet to slowly raise the unit is pure genius.
It certainly makes that particular job much easier.
Thanks so much for making this video, I have a Yamaha 150 and it would not go back in the last inch after changing out the impeller, I watched your video put it in gear with the prop on and jiggled it left and right as I was pushing up, slid right in. Couldn’t have done it without you, I sat there for 45 minutes banging my head against the wall, pushing and wiggling but it would not go on before finding your video, also the ratchet straps were a great idea.
Hi Stu, Thanks for the great idea of the ratchet strap. I went out and purchased one to help me put my Chrysler 75 hp lower leg back into the motor. I had to watch another youtube video to show how to properly use a ratchet strap. They are not the easiest things to get working properly. I ended up using the ratchet strap and a floor jack to slowly lift the lower unit into the motor until it clunked into the proper position when the splines aligned. There is not a lot of clearance aligning the lower leg into the upper leg housing. Thanks again. You are the best.
+1 on the ratchet straps! I'm a first-time boat owner of an '85 Four Winns 210 that overheated on my 3rd trip out. I watched several videos about replacing the water pump (alpha 1 1st gen w/5.7L I/O) and you were the first I saw with this technique. My initial approach was using a 2x4 under the skeg for leverage, but I was still unable to keep the prop in gear long enough to turn the shaft for spline engagement. With a swim platform, I hooked the straps to the tow hook and routed them through the boards to grab the lower unit as close to center as possible. I had it engaged correctly on my first attempt with the prop in gear and straps in the center--after an hour or more trying to muscle it in without the straps... Bravo, sir!
Just a quick note to thank you for the series of videos on servicing the outboard lower unit! Your videos helped me serviced of our 96 Mercury 40hp 2 Stroke outboard. We bought this boat used about 6 years ago and it has been running fair until the reverse gear was not engaging about a year ago. I have put looking into it since we can still go forward and have a trolling motor in front of this Bass Tracker that can help me maneuver.... But this winter season was the time to do it and your videos and your calm and encouraging presentation was what I needed... I started the pull out process on March 21, 2021 and completed the replacements of the water pump unit; oil seals and o-rings for the shifter, shift cam and cam follower; oil seals and o-rings for the bearing carrier; the shift and throttle cables; greased up; oiled up; and reinstalled using this video for the tip on the ratchet and the gear to reconnect. Everything went well with the reinstalled. But of course, the biggest test was whether or not I can actually make the boat go forward, neutral and reverse??? You bet cha it did and I had a cold one right after....Sorry for the long note but credit is due and must be shared. Thank you. (Jim from Discovery Bay, Ca, USA).
I have done this water pump few times alone struggling the whole way. I went out and bought the ratchet strap and it took ten minutes to reinstall the lower unit, Everything lined up perfectly, thank you for this tip!
You're welcome mate, glad it has mate things a bit easier for you. :)
Thank you so much for the tip on using a ratchet strap. My boat is on a pontoon with limited room behind the motor. I was worried about dropping the leg when it came off. The ratchet strap worked to assist me and give me the confidence I needed, doing this for the first time. One tip for newbies though - when I reassembled and tested the pump using a set of muffs, I had no water flow when I started the engine. Despite being sure that I had done everything correctly I pulled the leg off and dis-assembled everything a second time. A second re-assembly and test also proved negative with no water flow. Problem was that I didnt have enough water pressure to prime the pump. When I placed the leg in the water of our canal and completely submerged it as in normal operation Bingo! a strong flow from the outlet.
Dude! I have been regretting doing my second impeller change out in 3 years on the same 90 Yamy. Took the third person that helped me to get it aligned. For some reason with him we hoisted up and slid right in.
This trick has encouraged me and as a matter of fact I’m gonna do it right now. Thanks for teaching us home mechanics something we should have already thought of.
Power to you!
I have been slowly going thru all the mechanicals on my 2008 Klamath console/windshield boat I bought this summer, already changed all fluids and complete tuneup, and just got done rebuilding the waterpump and reinstalled the lower unit, gears would not shift in and out so I knew I had done something wrong, using your ratchet strap method and the wife we quickly lowered the lower unit a bit and sure enough the lower unit gear spline hadn't lined up with the receiver cable, thus no gears when I tried them, so a quick fix and all is back together now. Thanks so much for your youtube video it really helped. Just installed a new Terrova 12V troll motor and direction puck, and am now waiting on a new Humminbird Helix 7 fish finder to install. Should be back in business fishing in a couple weeks. Thanks for your help.
You saved me with the tip at 3:10. I had put everything together and it wouldn't go in gear. I had missed the tube. Once I lined it up of course, it worked perfectly. Thanks a ton!
Glad it helped!
Glad it helped!
Glad it helped!
Just got a used boat and starting to do some maint. on it when I found this channel. I'm replacing the impeller and this is going to be extremely helpful. Very thankful for people like you. You are saving us all $1,000's of dollars. Thanks buddy!
You're welcome David. :)
The ratchet strap is the Best ‘trick’ ever! I used it today and it worked perfectly for a one-man water pump job. I also have to give a shoutout to his testing a water pump video. After I finished and tested the water pump, the flow was pathetic and at throttle up, even stopped. I took off the muffs, filled up a barrel to fully submerge the lower until it was at the same level it would be on the water. When I tested again, the stream was strong at idle and throttle up. Don’t depend on muffs to determine if your water pump is working properly.
This is the best video on installing a lower unit! I used this method today and it worked great! Thank you for the video.
Hey stu
I have watched all your videos up to nov 2018.
Went back to this because I had trouble selecting reverse gear on my Johnson 90hp. I now do most things myself on my boat because of your videos. Your a legend and good luck with the trawler.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks mate, glad the vids have helped you. :)
Just did mine today on 70hp 1987 model nissan. The ratchet strap made things so much easier. Not light but not real heavy either but the weight is so unbalanced that having that ratchet strap give you a break is awesome. Thanks so much for your videos. Love your channel!
Glad the tip helped you!
Thanks for this! First timer at water pump/impeller replacement here and I was going mad trying to get everything lined up during my installation of my Mercruiser Alpha 1 gen 2 lower unit (single-handed 😂) So, took a break and surfed RUclips for help-found your video and a light bulb 💡 went on. Splines weren’t matching up which is why I just got that heavy clunk/stop and of course using a ratchet strap is pure genius for making small adjustments as the 2 halves join up. Went back to the job and had it done in 20 minutes- big thumbs up 👍 from me mate-saved my sanity.
BTW- the Mercruiser lower unit is much harder to see what you are aligning, splines , water hose, gear selector, so what is a big help is using a small dental mirror inside the gap as they are coming together just for peace of mind, if you are keen enough to take this job on by yourself.
Oh man, in just a few days you have become such a God for me: not having ever touched an outboard and knowing ours really needed a good service after 3 years I was able to manage a full revision thanks to all your video's. You should make it possible for us viewers to make donations, as for all the money you safe us being able to DIY. Please do share how I can make contribution. You rock!
Thanks Joris, glad you've been enjoying the vids. There is a link to my Patreon account in the descriptions for the newer videos or a PayPal link on the channel page. All donations are always greatly appreciated! :)
Done - keep up the good work!
So ingenious...all my mechanics were struggling to rotate the flywheel to align the shafts, and all it needs is to leave in gear and rotate the propeller...Noble Prize :)
LOL. The other great thing is you can reach the prop when you are on your own.
Saved me. Saved my sanity. Saved my back.
Installed my first lower unit on an Evinrude E-tec yesterday. Had a mighty struggle yntil I took a break an watched this video. Bravo on the strap and the penlight aided peek to see where I was failing. Thank you sir.
I know I need some kind of helper, but being the maverick(aka; moron), I am, I had to try it without the strap. Needless to say, I got frustrated, stopped working, had a beer, while I looked through my work shop, (aka; my mess) for a strap. And with the strap it was a piece of cake. Thanks brother!
You’re welcome, we sound very similar. 😝
Making switch from 10 years of Mercruiser sterndrive to my first Mercury outboard rebuild. Spring clutch through me for bit of loop. Ratchet strap is brillant!!
I like the idea of using a ratchet strap to help hold the unit in place while you line everything up great idea!!
I just wanted to say thanks. I have watched dozens of your videos and have learned so much. You have enabled me to work on my own equipment without having to rely on a slow and expensive dealership mechanic. Thanks again!
You're welcome mate, glad the videos have helped you save some money. :)
2024! Thank you for the ratchet strap tip! Made my reinstall super easy and a one man job.
i was about to drop my lower unit today, then i realized how difficult it would be to try to reposition it. Thanks for the tips about being in gear and ratchet straps, saved me a big headache
Glad I could help!
@@DangarMarine after I took lower unit off and put back on, won't shift into forward gear...'78 evinrude 150.
The shift lever won't move forward at all
Really liking these short and sweet quick tips. The rachet strap idea is perfect.... Cheers
Thanks Jason. I'm really enjoying making them because there are so many things I wanted to film that just aren't long enough to make into a main video.
This was a great tip. I've learned so much from your videos. Thanks and cheers from Florida.
Great video. The rachet strap idea is a game changer for me
wow this is excellent, thank you. I bought the manual and it is pure crap; the instructions say "re-assemble engine". Your video's are genius. You show us everything to look for. Thank you so much
Thanks Brian, glad the vid helped you. :)
Dangar Marine we used it all weekend. Fishing and skiing. Thanks!!
I rarely comment on videos, but wanted to give you big thanks for the tips ( especially the ratchet strap )...Made my first LU re-install a piece of cake!
Glad the vid helped you mate. :)
Bloody wish I watched this before doing mine. Nearly did my back in! This is a great idea.
The strap trick certainly makes things a bit easier. :)
Thank you so much for the ratchet strap trick. I don't know why I never thought of that myself, but it's genius. Having just tried it after doing an impeller swap it was the easiest reinstall I've ever had. Thanks again. Awesome Channel man.
You're welcome, glad it helped make the job easier for you. :)
I really like your use of the ratchet strap. I also liked the fact that you showed the specific connections that we have to mate. I was recently given a boat and am trying to learn to do maintenance on it and I will be changing a water pump in a 1998 Yamaha 115 2 stroke for the first time. Your videos are very helpful.
Great videos. Just stripped and re-built engine left in boat well for 18 months. Not pretty but now running beautifully.
Nice work, glad to hear you got it up and running again. :)
Nicki Common .com u
Nicki Common .com
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BLOWN OUT IN US HISTORY
YOU ARE AWESOME! Thank you so much for this video and all of your other videos. I have rebuilt a 1969 Johnson Evinrude 85hp hydroshift outboard engine and I have used your video for reference for learning things about the boat. This was the last step in getting the thing back up and running. Thank you!
Great thinking and idea. I'm overhauling my lower unit now. Thank you and good work!!!
Good luck!
That's a great tip Stu! Nothing's worse than dropping the "foot" on your foot! I'll remember this for my upcoming water pump impeller change in the spring.
No more need for safety boots! ;)
Well thanks. Now I feel pretty stupid for all the fighting I've done with these over the years. Work smarter, not harder. Your videos are the best and I often look to see if you have already done a video on a task that I plan on doing on my outboards. Thank you very much! Liked and Subscribed!
Glad I could help
Great idea with the ratchet strap. Thanks good usable content.
Ratchet strap is genius Stu! Well done!
Thanks David.
Brotherman - you have shown what it truly means to "Work SMART - not hard."
In all the years I've been doing this... I never thought of using a ratchet strap.
BRILLIANT! (like when they first put beer in a bottle)
;)
little outboards only!
Ratchet strap, man, you’re a lifesaver.
I've been scared of doing impeller replacement, but thank you for this video. Great ideas to help me
Thank you, my inside gear shift in the lower unit didn't align, you helped me with a quick easy fix, thank you!
Hi you help me out great segment thankyou you are the man cheers 😀
Man, that ratchet strap trick is worth its weight in gold!
Reinstalled my lower unit, you made it easy. Thanks for all your tips. Time to go fishing, off Montauk , NY.
Yea the ratchet strap is a great idea I never thought of that. Thank you so much for sharing this...
You're welcome Samuel. :)
Yes, I agree with Samuel, even after doing this many , many times, I never thought about using the ratchet strap. :/
Hay thanks it true one learns something new every day. I got a ratchet strap and that’s just what I needed. I got 50 hp mariner 1985 I just put a new water pump and housing in it. I also had it in reverse I thought I had the gear shaft in right but as I went to test the pump i notice it wouldn’t shift so I had to unbolt it again and try to line it back up not to essay by myself I already got bad shoulders that really makes it hard pain pain. I believe that ratchet strap will do the trick I’ll use that tomorrow thank you sr.
I don't know how there are any dislikes on this video. Thank you for this sir.
This video rocks brother. Great tips and instructions from a master mechanic!
Thanks for taking the time to do such a nice instructional video.
You are very welcome
As always. Experience + knowledge = successful rebuild.. many thanks for this video 👍
Thanks again for your expertise.You my friend are a back saver,and also a money saver as well
Thanks Mike, my back is terrible at the moment so I'm glad I could save yours!
Excellent! Loved the ratchet strap idea.
Thanks Ken, hope it helped you.
I have always struggled with Yamaha shift shafts lining up. Even slicing my hand to turn the prop for the drive shaft. I used ratchet straps in the past but it slipped my mind. Going to use the strap on this 225 now....thanks 👍
Very good 👍
You work smarter, not harder.
Exactly!
:O ratchet strap!
What a great idea, helped heaps getting my heavy leg back on!
It certainly helps a lot when you are on your own.
Thank you, the ratchet strap is a great idea 💡
Always nice to see a mechanic that knows his stuff. Well done. Oh yeah, I saw it mentioned elsewhere but when you said have a torch handy I nearly spit my coffee out since I instantly thought you were gonna heat something with it. LOL Bloody hell.
Thanks Dan. The torch is purely for lighting your cigarette to ease the frustration of getting these things to go back in. ;)
Yeah man. It's just funny how we use different terms for the same object. I knew what you meant, of course. It was just one of those instant reactions. I recently completed a pump kit on my Merc but didn't use the strap and it went okay. I used some cobbled up blocking and a small floor jack to hold it until I got everything situated but the strap is the way to go. I will surely remember it and that could be used for other things as well. I subbed your channel in case I get in a bind someday and can find advice, or advise if you prefer.
I am doing this very job this weekend on my 150 Yammy only having done a smaller outboard before. This (particularly the strap ) is a great tip. Thanks from Cape Cod.
Yea, trying to put in a new gearbox in neutral (Honda factory setting) didn't work, tried it with my wife helping out instead of a strap, so you taught me a few things there. One suggestion I would make is to show us how to properly position the lower shift rod in the reverse position, without damaging the splines of course :-)
As always, there is a custom tool for shifting those splines, but it is pretty tough metal so pliers generally don't damage it. I find the straps great, I've never had a heated argument with one yet. ;)
Slick. Good trick.
Thanks...you have a credible presentation style thats easy to watch.
Thanks mate, glad you liked it. :)
Saved me a shitload of money...thumbs up from me
DUDE thank you soo much for your video i specifically needed to replace the lower end unit after working on it you saved me mate! subscribing!
Glad I could help. :)
The ratchet strap is a mint idea. always a pain trying to balance holding the lower unit and lining everything up.
Yeah, I find it really helpful and makes things much easier.
Great Job!! Going to do my own this week.. that strap idea is top shelf!! Fair play to you!
Hey Stu, thanks for all the great videos. I'm a noob and you've sure helped me so much!!!
You're welcome Joe, glad they've helped. :)
Doing mine in a few days, thanks for the info on ratchet straps, going to make my life a lot easier. Cheers.
Thanks Stu! This is (as usual) VERY useful information and as always very educational. I just love the way you share what you do and all of your knowledge! Anders from Sweden
with a Yamaha unit as shown leaving the motor in neutral and making a very slight twist makes quick work of the install. the lack of studs and use of bolts allow the Yamaha and some other brands to twist. mercury uses studs so putting them in reverse like shown makes it easy. the key is having all fasteners and tools in arms reach.
+jahosaphet05 Yes, having everything in reach is a good tip I should have mentioned. Nothing worse than getting in place and spotting the bolts across the room!
can do the whole thing in about 30 Min.. hell prob less
Thanks! You saved my butt with that ratchet strap.
You're welcome Roger. :)
Thanks for the explanation because I have a problem to install the lower unit in my Yamaha 200 when I put de shaft he can't don't enter, know I see this video I'm more relaxing to install again
No ego no BS and 100% pure help. You keep being you. My honda bf 75 with a merc bottom end does not like staying in reverse when not running it tries to spring into neutral... can forward be used instead?
Thanks Kreig. So are you thinking of swapping the forward and reverse gears over? In many outboards they are the same so it's worth a shot.
You Stu are THE MAN! Thanks!
Thanks mate! :)
Thanks so much for your videos. They are extremely helpful
Your videos are great. I always wondered why there's no gasket between those two main upper and lower parts ? Water could potentially get in, but on all the outboards I see there is never a gasket to prevent it.
top video Stuart that did look like a best of a outboard
Thanks mate.
The cargo-strap idea alone was great info.
Thankyou.
Great tips !!
Your channel is the best !!!
Just subscribed !
Thanks for subscribing. :)
I now feel like a complete idiot. I fought with a mercury lower in the shop today for almost 2 hours even with "help" it was a mess.I wish I had though of the ratchet strap trick.Thanks for the info.
You're welcome mate, I hope it saves you much frustration! :)
now why didn't i think of that ? great idea with the ratchet strap Stu
It's certainly one of those things that seems quite obvious once you see it, that's for sure.
Keep it up STU. Love your channel.
Thanks mate, glad you are enjoying the channel.
Excellent video Stu, very helpful. Thanks mate 👍
You're welcome. :)
Fantastic , just used this method . Made a difficult job much easier
It certainly does take some of the hassle out of this job. :)
this is gold dangar
great idea Stu! I need to have someone take a picture of me in my Dangar Marine shirt this weekend then I'll send it to you!
Thanks Will. Looking forward to getting the picture. :)
man love your old vlogs ⭐️👍🏼👍🏼⚓️⚓️⚓️😃
I actually though of the strap myself 😅 I'll put the rest in practice today 👍
Really great technique and tips. Good on ya mate! 👍
Thanks Tom!