Drive shaft repair

[dl799]

I have a 1987 50 Hp Force outboard. The drive shaft is worn just below the water pump. I would like to repair the worn area. Do I use J & B Weld, Braze or weld the drive shaft? I have tried flipping the shaft, but the ends are different.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Drive shaft repair

What caused the wear?<br />Is it bent?<br />Rubbing on something else?<br /><br />I think I would shop ebay for a new driveshaft or lower unit before I tried to repair it.<br />Wouldn't want to throw it out of balance or risk having it come apart.

 

[dl799]

Re: Drive shaft repair

I think that the wear was from an upper seal failing and 18 years of wear. The shaft seems ti be softer than the brass bushing below the water pump. The shaft is not bent. I flipped the shaft last year, but it got stuck. I had to remove the engine and pull the shaft out. I am trying fix the wear on the shaft so this does not happen again. The area that the shaft is worn is in contact with a brass bushing. It is possible the oil in the lower unit may not have been full enough over the years of use.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Drive shaft repair

You will find these wear lines on any older motor. It is probably happening at the prop shaft seal as well. Is your lower unit taking on water? If not I would leave it alone. I had a prop shaft redone which was really worn due to an improper bearing. I paid the guy about 50 bucks and he actually wanted more. It has to be done to real tight tolerance and there is not much fill they can add to make it work. Even when it is all done I doubt the repair will last long. Do as Roscoe said and try and find a lower unit on ebay and then use good parts from each to make one good unit.