Bravo drive installation tips?

[MMcCawley]

I've had our Bravo drive out numerous times in the past and have never had any trouble installing the drive shaft back into the engine coupling. With that said, this last time I've pulled the motor in order to rebuild it and am now having trouble getting the drive back on. I was careful not to move the motor mount settings but fear that the engine is not properly lined up. LoIoking through the gimbal everything looks fine but I'd imagine that it doesn't take much to prevent the driveshaft from engaging on the coupling splines. Also, when I put the engine in I was second guessing whether or not I put the rear engine mount back together properly (you may recall there's a fiber washer, spring and shoulder bushing) but i found an exploded view of the assembly online and everything looks correct from what i can tell. Does anyone have any pointers or suggestions?

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

Try and borrow a Merc Alignment tool, which is a rod the same size as the drive shaft to see if things are lined up properly. On a previous boat, I found that slowly turning the prop while installing the shaft would help line up the splines properly (but I'm sure you've tried that).

Good lluck!