2001 Mercury Mariner 50-60HP Factory Service Manual, Page 454Get this manual
NON-BIGFOOT GEAR HOUSING
CAUTION
Do not lubricate top of driveshaftExcess lubricant will not allow driveshaft to fully engage crankshaftTightening the gear housing fasteners (if excess lubricant is on top of driveshaft) will load the driveshaftcrankshaft and may damage either or both powerhead and gear housingWipe the top of driveshaft free of lubricant5Lightly apply Quicksilver 2-4-C wTeflon onto the driveshaft splines6Shift gear housing into forward gearGear housing will not engage when propeller shaft is turned clockwise7Position driveshaft into driveshaft housingMove gear housing towards driveshaft housing while aligning shift shaft coupler, water tube seal and driveshaft splines
NOTE: If the driveshaft splines will not align with the crankshaft splines, install propeller and turn the propeller shaft counterclockwise while pushing gear housing onto driveshaft housingIt may also be necessary to move the shift block (on the powerhead) to align the shift shaft splines for proper re-assembly8Install bolts and washers, (two each side)Apply Loctite 271 on bottom half of bolt threads prior to installation9Install locknut and washer10Torque bolts and locknut to specified torque