Drive Shaft Shimming??

[mrkingnh]

I am wondering if anyone knows how to SHIM a drive shaft without the factory tool? I am rebuilding my lower unit. Wondering if I am able to either make my own shim tool, or if the local mariner is able to take the shaft and pinon/nut, and shim it for me (at least just measure and tell me the size shims I need).?

Thanks

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Drive Shaft Shimming??

All dealerships should have the proper factory shimming tool so yes, they could gauge your driveshaft for you but it's highly unlikely they'll do it as a favor (Hourly Rate!).

Unless you're replacing the pinion gear or the driveshaft itself, you can reuse the original shims or new shims of the same size.

 

[mrkingnh]

Re: Drive Shaft Shimming??

All dealerships should have the proper factory shimming tool so yes, they could gauge your driveshaft for you but it's highly unlikely they'll do it as a favor (Hourly Rate!).

Unless you're replacing the pinion gear or the driveshaft itself, you can reuse the original shims or new shims of the same size.

I anticipate paying something for there work, but I called one dealership and they said they would have to do a complete install of all the gears pinion drive shaft etc.... ($250.00)?? It didnt make sense to me as I did tell them I was rebuilding the lower unit myself??


Thanks

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Drive Shaft Shimming??

I anticipate paying something for there work, but I called one dealership and they said they would have to do a complete install of all the gears pinion drive shaft etc.... ($250.00)?? It didnt make sense to me as I did tell them I was rebuilding the lower unit myself?? Thanks

That dealership is one you would want to avoid at all costs. Exactly what engine are we speaking of.... model # ?

 

[mrkingnh]

Re: Drive Shaft Shimming??

That dealership is one you would want to avoid at all costs. Exactly what engine are we speaking of.... model # ?

E50TLCEC.... ?? 50HP 1989 Evinrude Loop charged small gear case.

 

[mrkingnh]

Re: Drive Shaft Shimming??

E50TLCEC.... ?? 50HP 1989 Evinrude Loop charged small gear case.

And unfortunately, the lower unit was sitting in the back of the boat when i purchased it. There were no shims...which makes me believe that this is what caused the forward, pinion and reverse gears to not line up correctly and destroyed them. I have just received brand new gears bearings and all seals... I am now trying to assemble it all

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Drive Shaft Shimming??

I assume that you are replacing the pinion gear or the driveshaft that would normally require checking the shim distance and if so, I can only recommend checking around with dealerships and non dealership outboard repair shops for some friendly assistance.

However.... since retiring and selling off most all of my special tools, I have on a couple occasions had a few personal friends contact me to have their lower unit work done and I have explained to them that most of the special tools needed were no longer available to me, especially the driveshaft shimming tool. Their reply was that they were willing to bypass that shimming procedure and to simply have me install new shims of the same thickness as the originals... they talked me into that deal and that's the way it went. That was back in the early 1990's... those few lower units are still going strong. Not advising you to bypass any procedure... just a story out of my past and food for thought.

A word of advice though, whatever you decide.... DO TORQUE that driveshaft nut to the factory specified torque setting. Simply tightening it can be disastrous.

 

[mrkingnh]

Re: Drive Shaft Shimming??

I assume that you are replacing the pinion gear or the driveshaft that would normally require checking the shim distance and if so, I can only recommend checking around with dealerships and non dealership outboard repair shops for some friendly assistance.

However.... since retiring and selling off most all of my special tools, I have on a couple occasions had a few personal friends contact me to have their lower unit work done and I have explained to them that most of the special tools needed were no longer available to me, especially the drive shaft shimming tool. Their reply was that they were willing to bypass that shimming procedure and to simply have me install new shims of the same thickness as the originals... they talked me into that deal and that's the way it went. That was back in the early 1990's... those few lower units are still going strong. Not advising you to bypass any procedure... just a story out of my past and food for thought.

A word of advice though, whatever you decide.... DO TORQUE that drive shaft nut to the factory specified torque setting. Simply tightening it can be disastrous.

Yes... I am replacing basically everything that attaches to the prop shaft and drive shaft. Was easy as pie dis assembling...lol should have read further for installing. There's way more to it than just slapping it all back together. The amount of specialty tools is absolutely ridiculous! In my free time this fall and winter, I am going to design and build specialty tools and sell them for 25% of what these things cost if purchased from the manufacturer.

I decided to go with my Local Mariner. They will charge 3-4 hrs labor, but i have already saved on the parts. I have spent approx "$350.00" on a complete brand new aftermarket gear set incl Clutch forward, reverse, and pinion. Lower unit seal kit, ALL roller and thrust bearings, and an impeller. My total costs estimate, was around $700.00. I found a place called Croix Gears that specializes in marine after market gears I paid $230.00 with tax and shipping for the four piece set. They will also warranty if installed by an authorized service center.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Drive Shaft Shimming??

I am going to design and build specialty tools and sell them for 25% of what these things cost if purchased from the manufacturer. I decided to go with my Local Mariner. They will charge 3-4 hrs labor, but i have already saved on the parts. I have spent approx "$350.00" on a complete brand new aftermarket gear set incl Clutch forward, reverse, and pinion. Lower unit seal kit, ALL roller and thrust bearings, and an impeller. My total costs estimate, was around $700.00. I found a place called Croix Gears that specializes in marine after market gears I paid $230.00 with tax and shipping for the four piece set. They will also warranty if installed by an authorized service center.

It's confusing to me what your total $$$ outlay is (sounds like it was $700) but no matter as it's quite a bit cheaper than a new lower unit. Really a shame that the shims were missing, however it sounds like you're headed in the right direction and I wish you luck.

I don't know what that shimming tool (393815 --> 5005925) cost now but in 2010 (my last price book), it had a list of $297.97. Back in my day it was $150.00 and even then that was too much!

 

[mrkingnh]

Re: Drive Shaft Shimming??

I paid $230.00 for gearset (croix gear), and then $110.00 for seal kit, impellor, thrust bearings and roller bearings (marinepartshouse.com). Total thus far is $340.00