bent prop shaft????

[targetpanic]

Same story as you guys have heard before...we were out today, I was getting rods ready and the wife was driving. We hit a submerged rock pile. The motor is a 1993 25hp mariner. we were traveling at low speed ~10 mph. but the whole lower unit jumped out of the water. The aluminum prop is trashed. However we had to run the motor to get back in. It didn't seem like a lot of vibration. I haven't taken the junk prop off yet but when I spin the prop while looking from behind it looks like the shaft is bent...is that likely??? can it be straightened??? could it just be from a busted bearing or some sort inside????? Where can I purchase a new shaft if needed??? Heck, a replacememt may end up costing more than the motors worth Any help, ideas, advice are much appreciated.

 

[steelespike]

Re: bent prop shaft????

Take the prop off and turn the shaft in neutral.clamp some sort of indicator close to the shaft to see if there is any wobble.
also try to move side to side should be little or no movement.
The prop may be able to be repaired.

 

[targetpanic]

Re: bent prop shaft????

Thanks Steel
I'll check it out tonight. I know with the prop on that the shaft does not appear to be straight, when you turn the prop and look at it from behind you can see the shaft not spinning true. There is no play in the shaft. But I will take the prop off and check the shaft out better tonight. The lower unit has a couple scratches on the front, the skeg is virtually untouched, the prop is beyond repair (which is fine I was planning on buying one anyways) I just hope the shaft isn't bent beyond repair as I fear how much they will cost to replace. If the shaft is bent do I need to remove it completely from the motor to try and straighten it??? What are they typically made of (s.steel, hardened steel, alum????)

 

[LubeDude]

Re: bent prop shaft????

The way that you explain it your shaft is probably bent!

You have to replace it! It can't be straightened.

Check Ebay!

 

[targetpanic]

Re: bent prop shaft????

Well I took the prop off last night. THe shaft is bent for sure. Guess it's time to call some of the repair shops to either get it straightened or look into a new one.