Driveshaft End Play on 1-Piece Lower?

[mbruce333]

I've got a 1979 85hp with a 1-piece and while working on it I've noticed the driveshaft can be pulled up about 1/8". I've done some looking but haven't seen a spec for this. The lower unit doesn't leak water, no sign of metal in the gear oil and shifts normally.

Am I OK to keep running this guy as is or am I moments away from disaster.

Thanks!
Mike

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Driveshaft End Play on 1-Piece Lower?

Are you checking by pulling on the propeller? Sometimes the front washer or spacer for the propeller is too shallow or not thick enough and the propeller slides on the propeller shaft giving the impression that the shaft is moving when it's actually the propeller sliding back and forth on the shaft.

 

[mbruce333]

Re: Driveshaft End Play on 1-Piece Lower?

Actually, I meant the vert drive shaft, not the propshaft.

Everything seems good with this lower, first season with it, so I just want to make sure I'm not gonna do any damage to it.

Pnw-where are you located? I used to live in E-burg and Yakima...

Mike

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Driveshaft End Play on 1-Piece Lower?

What you doing that you checked this??
Run it.
Gonna go out and start pulling on my junk drives and see if there is any play/??
Got me wondering.

 

[emoney]

Re: Driveshaft End Play on 1-Piece Lower?

This is an absolutely useless response, but I'm bored at work, so.....

On my old Chrysler 50, you could move the driveshaft up and down a smidgeon and all was fine with it. Of course, pull too much and you'll be pulling it out.

However, on my '95 120hp, driveshaft doesn't move an ounce vertically. You could lift the back of the boat, so-to-speak.

Again, I know that doesn't help answer your question at all, and I'm not really sure why I'm even responding. However, it does help to keep your thread "fresh" so that you do get your answer quicker. You can thank me later.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Driveshaft End Play on 1-Piece Lower?

I have a couple of spare lower units from 1988ish 125HP and 85HP motors. No vertical play when pulling up on the drive shaft in either unit that I can feel. Not sure if they are the same as your 1979 lower unit.

I'm over in Liberty Lake, just east of Spokane

 

[mbruce333]

Re: Driveshaft End Play on 1-Piece Lower?

Thanks for the replies!

I'm thinking about just running with it for awhile and keep an eye on the gear oil for any signs of damage. We've been having great weather and I'm feeling the need to get out on the water!

pnwboat-are your 1988 lower's dual or single exhaust? Too bad you're not closer to the middle of the state, it'd be nice to chat in person!

Mike

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Driveshaft End Play on 1-Piece Lower?

They are both single exhaust.

Yeah, I've met a few folks from this Forum. All of them are good people to know.

 

[mbruce333]

Re: Driveshaft End Play on 1-Piece Lower?

I decided to put it back together and run with it for a while.

But, before I put the lower back on the leg, I put it in gear, pushed down and turned the driveshaft both directions to get a feel for the engagement. Next I pulled up (the driveshaft comes up just under 1/8") and turned the shaft again. Neither my dad or I could feel any difference in the way the gears were engaging. Seemed like it would be OK to run it, so it's back on and ready for the weekend.

I'll keep checking the gear oil for any signs of metal, though.

Mike

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Driveshaft End Play on 1-Piece Lower?

85hp '84-'88, minimum clearance .064", maximum .066", between face of pinion gear and shimming plug per OEM manual. No mention of allowable slop.