Driveshaft play

[jim dozier]

How much play should there be in the driveshaft of a 97-115hp Evirude 60 degree? While preparing to replace my water pump (still waiting on my service manual) I noticed side to side play in the driveshaft when I removed the old water pump housing. Its about 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch measured at the top of the driveshaft splines. Without a manual this seemed excessive to me and I am thinking the bearing needs to be replaced. There is also some grooving on the drive shaft where the top of the stainless water pump cup meets the driveshaft. Is this common or am I going to need to replace the bearing beneath the water pump?

 

[ob]

Re: Driveshaft play

Sounds excessive to me but then only an indicator reading of the movement where the shaft is nearest the bearing could confirm.That and the grooving of the shaft against the pump plate.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Driveshaft play

Scary aint it. I remmber my first time too.You've got a two piece drive shaft and it moves that way.<br /><br />Some grooving at the top of the cup is not normal.Any grooving is not normal.Make sure it's not a ridge,instead of a groove and tell us more about it.Did the impeller seize and spin the cup ?<br /><br />DHP

 

[G DANE]

Re: Driveshaft play

Did the lower unit take water in oil ?? Usually there is barely feelable play. Be aware that shaft can flex a bit. Do the 60 deg's have a twopart driveshaft ? Where do they split ?

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Driveshaft play

Actually the grooving is at the top of the plastic water pump housing where the driveshaft exits the plastic housing. It is a groove not a ridge. There is a slight groove (less than the one described above) where the driveshaft exits the top of the stainless cup. The water pump was normal and not seized. There was no water in the lower unit oil. I haven't had this engine at speed in the water just on a test stand and there was no vibration with my hands on the gearcase in gear at idle speeds. This is all just part of routine maintenance. DHP are you saying that because its a 2 part driveshaft the play is normal?

 

[Frank I.]

Re: Driveshaft play

DHP is right on,all two piece driveshafts have a lot of play(almost hard to believe when you see it for the first time)I also have that same grooving at the top of the pump housing and Ive been wondering what to do about it,other than that operation is normal.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Driveshaft play

Yes the play is normal,and it is not floppy when the driveshaft is connected to the crankshaft splines.<br /><br />DHP

 

[rodboltVE]

Re: Driveshaft play

hello<br />the two piece shaft uses the pump impeller to steady the shaft in the seal as well. if you allow to much wear between pump changes the seal will leak every time. it was a good idea but poor execution. typical of OMC of the mid ninties:. merc used a coupler above the lower unit in the midsection that worked well. saved thousands of dolrs by not hving to machine 2 different shafts.