1989 50 HP Lower End Little Ball Bearing #20

[mytmouse]

I re-sealed the lower end a short while ago. Now that I am having prop/acceleration problems I am wondering about that little ball bearing. Since I had the manual open the whole time while doing the task, I dont recall any oddities during unassembly / re-assembly....but, To ease my mind....
that little frikin ball bearing (#20 in merc parts book for 507Y9B lower unit) http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show.../35.png&inbr=1282&bnbr=160&bdesc=GEAR+HOUSING

Is that ball bearing visible once the bearing cage is removed and shaft pulled out with gears in place?

I don't recall any little ball bearing issue at all. Please ease my mind by saying.... if I did not remove gears from the shaft it would have been impossible (or damn near) to lose the ball bearing.


OR

is it possible once pulled out I could have lost it, not known it and replaced without?? (All I would have done is removed the bearing cage, pulled out shaft with gears, resealed top and bottom and re attached shift lever.

Where does it seat and what is its purpose?

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 1989 50 HP Lower End Little Ball Bearing #20

I am about 95 percent positive you need to remove the gears from the prop shaft in order to see the small ball. It has been a few years since I did a complete tear off but I am pretty positive you need to remove the forward gear to get at that ball.