morey55

[morey55]

I have a 1967-68 Merc 500. I'm rebuilding the lower unit. The main vertical shaft is pitted, and worn around the water pump seals. Does anyone know where I can find a replacement, or a way to repair it? Can the area of the shaft be cromed?

 

[mark mcj]

Re: morey55

I've got a 68 200 that has the pitted drive shaft too.
I did a temp fix with JB weld to get through the season.
I'm goin going to have the pitted area welded up and turned to the correct diameter this winter.
There's also a sleeve that can bought but I haven't even looked at that.
From the parts list I've seen, original driveshafts cost over $400 when they were available. The same sites show these as NLA (no longer available).
I think oldmercs.com has one or two but there asking over $800 for them.

Another route is to find a 1975 or newer parts motor and use that, Merc went to stainless steel, from what I've read.

Good luck.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: morey55

I believe what is used to repair worn shafts is called a "speedi sleeve" or wear sleeve.

Can be found at most bearing supply houses. Do a google search for more info on them. Alternative may be to take the shaft to a machine shop and have them recommend an approach. Most certainly would be cheaper than buying a new shaft.

 

[morey55]

Re: morey55

Thanks for the info. I'm going to try to have the worn part of the shaft "hard-cromed", and then machine the diameter hopefully back to finish. Wish me luck.