Alpha One Gen II Lower Unit - Drive Shaft Binds When Tightening Retainer

[PrCunningham]

I have a MerCruiser Alpha One Gen II sterndrive. I pulled the lower unit apart to diagnose what I thought was a lower unit problem — turns out the issue is actually in the upper unit. Now I'm trying to get the lower unit back together and running into a problem. I got the pinion gear and nut installed, everything seems to be in place and turning freely, but as soon as I tighten the drive shaft retainer the drive shaft binds up. I did not disassemble anything on the propeller shaft side. I've taken it apart and reassembled it several times now and can't figure out what's causing the bind. All original parts, nothing replaced. Any ideas?

 

[alldodge]

I have a MerCruiser Alpha One Gen II sterndrive. I pulled the lower unit apart to diagnose what I thought was a lower unit problem — turns out the issue is actually in the upper unit. Now I'm trying to get the lower unit back together and running into a problem. I got the pinion gear and nut installed, everything seems to be in place and turning freely, but as soon as I tighten the drive shaft retainer the drive shaft binds up. I did not disassemble anything on the propeller shaft side. I've taken it apart and reassembled it several times now and can't figure out what's causing the bind. All original parts, nothing replaced. Any ideas?

I'm having trouble following your comments, maybe it's the terms

This is talking lower
You pulled the lower apart but did not disassemble anything on the prop shaft side.

So what exactly did you take apart????

This is talking upper
Got the pinion gear nut installed, then tighten drive shaft retainer it binds.