Hey Spareparts

[cfelton]

The prop is a new stainless prop, with no signs of damage and it vibrates in neutral ,on the hose , sittin in the yard . Ive almost ruled the drive and prop out. I can reach over and behind the motor and grab the drive input shaft and shake it around inside the coupler, so im thinking thats gotta be the culprit. This old 77 V has alot of room around the back of the motor but I think Ill just pull the motor completely out ta change out the coupling. Looks like I gotta pull off the engine bellhousing to get at the coupling bolts and ta get it out of the bellhousing hole. It won't be to bad of a job being I already had it out before. Probably can do it in a day (I hope).Thanks for all the info fellas! Ill let you all know how it turns out.

[spareparts]

if you can move teh drive shaft like that, I would have to agree that its teh coupler, most of yhe boats i work on you can't get back behind there. Double check the gimbal bearing while you have the drive off

[cfelton]

Will do!!! I replaced it when I rebuilt it but Ill check it out good when I pull the drive. Thanks again!!

[macojoe]

I blew a coupler one time in my 165 I/O and it was also the only thing I did not fix when I pulled the motor! It was at least easier to pull the motor the 2nd time

[cfelton]

I got my new coupler today. Its made by Mallory, hope its ok. Looks right . Did'nt realize it was so lightweight. I guess the outer assy is aluminum also. I'm shooting for Friday ta install it. I think I can just hold up on the rear of the motor, unbolt the bellhouseing and get right to it. I've got right much room around the back of the motor.

[spareparts]

Yeah, Mallory got in the marine parts business a little while back(my wife works for a parts wholesaler). They look like decent parts, on par with GLM and Sierra. Make sure you set the alignement after you get it back in, grease up the input splines as well. What do the splines on the drive shaft look like? hey should have square tops, not sharp, clean the splines out with a pointed object(get all the old grease out of the splines) adn inspect them before you put it back together

[cfelton]

Well, I pulled the outdrive and then the engine friday morning. after looking and comparing the couplings the old coupling wasn't worn as bad as I thought . The splines on the drive shaft looked like new. I found a couple of engine bellhousing bolts loose and the front mount adjustment nuts had worked loose too! After replacing the coupler I borrowed an alignment tool and realigned everything. It seems to have almost entirely eliminated the vibration. I havent taken it out for a good test but it ran pretty smooth on the hose. It took the better part of Friday but I think it will be worth the time and work!!