Evinrude lower unit shaft resistance

[Andre']

Hello,

I have the lower unit removed from a 1987 120 Evinrude to replace impeller. With the impeller out while turning the drive shaft by hand in neutral, it has some resistance (does not spin easy) also it seems you can feel each tooth of the pinion gear as it contacts the ring gear. By looking at pics of a gearcase diagram there is a spring on the shaft that looks like it holds pressure on the pinion gear against the ring gear. Is the resistance I am feeling normal and should I be feeling the ratcheting of the gears working together? The prop shaft spins free and easy in neutral. I just got motor running and have not had it in the water yet - I maybe trying to diagnose problem that does not exist - just wanting to play it safe and not run a unit that may need attention. Thanks for any advice anyone may have!!!

 

[mekkamaz]

Re: Evinrude lower unit shaft resistance

Have you check the gearcase oil?

 

[Andre']

Re: Evinrude lower unit shaft resistance

I just drained the old oil to replace with fresh, it looked good. I haven't put the new oil in yet, but I was thinking the internals should still should still be lubricated because it has only been a day since draining.

 

[mekkamaz]

Re: Evinrude lower unit shaft resistance

Pour the fresh oil in, then you will notice the difference. You will "feel" smooth working gears. Be sure oil wt. it?s appropiate.

 

[boobie]

Re: Evinrude lower unit shaft resistance

Don't know what spring you're talking about but pull up on the D/S once when turning it and see what happens. The gears throw themselves away from each other when running.

 

[Andre']

Re: Evinrude lower unit shaft resistance

Thanks for the advice guys! I did pull up on the shaft and the ratcheting feeling smoothed out. I didn't know the gears throw themselves apart when running. I will add new oil and run it. Thanks again!

 

[boobie]

Re: Evinrude lower unit shaft resistance

We all, including myself learn something new every day