Prop shaft concern... 55 Fleetwin 7.5

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Had a small oil leak at the lower unit... Decided to replace the spaghetti gasket and include some gasket in a tube for good measure. Before I did this... the prop shaft would spin very very freely (with a pinky finger)

Now it still turns but requires a bit more force... Not sure why... I took it to the lake and ran it for about 30 seconds and it shifts well and seems to turn the prop... I stalled due to I think a carb issue... Am I worrying about nothing? Or should it be super easy to spin. What am I missing? Please help!

 

[F_R]

Re: Prop shaft concern... 55 Fleetwin 7.5

The PROP shaft should spin with a pinky finger. Not sure what happened there. However, if the DRIVE shaft is tight, I know a couple of causes for that. How much did you have apart, just the skeg, or driveshaft/water pump also?

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: Prop shaft concern... 55 Fleetwin 7.5

When I was changing the gasket... the whole shaft dropped out including the gear on the bottom of the drive shaft. I put it all back as I believe it should be but now I feel more drag than before this operation... I do not want to take it out if there is something not quite right.

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: Prop shaft concern... 55 Fleetwin 7.5

When I was changing the gasket... the whole shaft dropped out including the gear on the bottom of the drive shaft. I put it all back as I believe it should be but now I feel more drag than before this operation... I do not want to take it out if there is something not quite right.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Prop shaft concern... 55 Fleetwin 7.5

Sounds like something is a miss. There isn't much in there and the alignment is pretty simple so I don't know what the problem would be. I don't think the pinion gear is the cause of your trouble that shouldn't have any effect on the prop shaft's ability to turn in neutral. I'd suggest popping off the skeg and checking everything again. Then make sure it all spins freely before you re-assemble. Did you use too much silicone and maybe now you have some gumming things up?

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: Prop shaft concern... 55 Fleetwin 7.5

Possible... too much goo... I'm going back in. I hate this part! If anything else occurs to you give a shout please.

Thanks,

Tom

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Prop shaft concern... 55 Fleetwin 7.5

Hi Tom,
Did you align the forward bearing bushing with the hole in the side with the pin in the housing? This is a common mistake - I've got several housings here with that pin buried because the unit was assembled with the pin misaligned with the bushing.
- Scott

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: Prop shaft concern... 55 Fleetwin 7.5

Well, I took it all apart... put it all back and it is good as new. Did notice a worn spot on the prop shaft (under the seal, just where it leaves the L/U). Is that common? Terminal?

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Prop shaft concern... 55 Fleetwin 7.5

Happens with time. It may develop a leak there at some point.