Has anyone had trouble reattaching a lower unit back on the motor after changing a water pump? I changed the water pump on Saturday and the job was going great until I went to put the power unit back on. I tried turnign the prop, (engine is in FWD) also turnign the flywheel. I can feel the splines trying to mate, but I don't have enough thread engagement on the studs to bolt it up. The shift shaft doesn't seem to be the problem. It seems like the drive shaft. I tried it both with the motor trimmed up, down and just about every angle in between. The water tube seems to fit fine and slides nicely. I even disassembled the water pump just to make sure that was right.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks