Lower unit mis-aligned with mid section 2.5 lt 2000s ??

**CircleHook** · 01-18-2017, 09:03 AM

Installed a stock lower from a 2.5 lt 150 2002 onto a 2.5 lt 175 2001 stock mid and noticed when assembling the rear end of the lower was off to starboard side maybe 3/32" of an inch- the bolt that goes up under the trim tab confirmed same mis-aligment. It went together easy enough.Overnight I got to thinkin (never good...) and checked the drive shaft this am- it is offset the same amount where it come up thur the mid.Un-acceptable I expect- what would cause this? How do I fix? I have the original 150 mid that matches the lower- it needs TLC and trim put in-

**XstreamVking** · 01-18-2017, 09:08 AM

All the locating pins installed? And clean? Never seen a lower not match up unless there's some damage....

**CircleHook** · 01-18-2017, 09:18 AM

Locating pins in place-
There is some history on the mid-section-
Previous owner hit something hard enough to break the lower mount of the middle/large trim cylinder completely off. Snapped the bottom right off.
I am running that lower and PH on another mid-section- it was easier to swapped PH and lower since other mid already had a good trim.
I suppose the mid could be twisted but the other lower is off and running

**XstreamVking** · 01-18-2017, 10:19 AM

Cast alum does not normally bend w/o breaking . But in this case, it may have twisted some from a large impact like you describe.

**CircleHook** · 01-18-2017, 10:43 AM

That drive shaft mis-align is a NO GO - right? Is there a way to measure drive shaft position - centered in mid?

**XstreamVking** · 01-18-2017, 10:56 AM

I have never had to check it. I really don't know how critical the drive shafts position is. Does not look good though...I would guess that if it is not centered in the adapters hole, it is a deal killer.

**rock** · 01-18-2017, 11:04 AM

When you set the powerhead it will probably center the driveshaft for you but your lower will still be off and I cannot see that as a good thing. Maybe if you loosen the lower's mounting bolts while the powerhead is in place it will force the lower to where it is supposed to be but then you have no way to verify the lower is in a different place than it is now without removing the powerhead. Good luck.

Rock

**CircleHook** · 01-18-2017, 11:15 AM

Thanks Gents- I had never seen this before - thought maybe someone else had- Probably a good way to ruin a crank and drive shaft- I have other options-
I will inspect it carefully to see if I can find anything-

**outasite** · 01-18-2017, 11:34 AM

Pull the lower,take a large file and lightly touch the bottom of the mid.Make sure it is flat and that it is not pulled up slightly around one or more of the mounting holes.Look closely for any cracks.

**frank jackson** · 01-18-2017, 11:46 AM

pull the drive shaft and check for straight , the mounting surfaces need to be clean and burr free .....

**outasite** · 01-18-2017, 01:31 PM

I've seen that type of mis alignment.Its common on mids that have been shortened,and not lined up and squared up.But never a factory one.It would not take much between those pieces to put you off that far at the top.

**TEXAS20225** · 01-18-2017, 03:08 PM

you say mid section can took a hard lick and broke off trim motor bracket it would high unlikly if lower unit is twisted drive shaft bent at a low point in the case is very possible remove it and check it for straight if it not pinion bearing and upper drive shaft bearing wont last long if its forced over to go into crank shaft ,in the 10 years i only rebuilt lower units ive never seen a factory set up be misaligned ive welded countless drive shafts together when you know how they are as strong and straight as none welded

**WillySteve** · 01-18-2017, 03:52 PM

If the D/S was bent it would walk to the other side when turned which I'm sure you've tried. A large flat file should tell you if there's any lumps'r bumps on the mating surfaces.
Mids are relatively cheap for that engine....I'd use it for a planter for the wife if I couldn't find the problem!

**Chaz** · 01-18-2017, 06:22 PM

Have you rotated the driveshaft 180* to see if it favor's the other side ..?

**CircleHook** · 01-19-2017, 07:16 AM

What I noticed was- rear end of the lower was off to starboard side maybe 3/32" of an inch- the bolt that goes up under the trim tab confirmed same mis-aligment
This lead me to look at drive shaft- which since lower was crooked - drive shaft was offset
Searching last evening I found front locator pin not centered- you can see with naked eye because it is right in front of the bolt hole(stud back out as they often do).
Measured and indeed it is 3mm to left of center.
No damage to pin nor housing- it is simply not centered. I checked 3 more lowers of same vintage to confirm this offset was not intentional.
This lower was not associated with impact that damaged the trim on the mid. I will dig out the mid this lower came from and check it out of curiosity.