How hard to change Prop Shaft?

[Bry21317]

I have a prop shaft that is a little bent, the boat rides with no vibration, but will wobble a little when spinning by hand.

The engine is a Mercruiser 5.0 with an Alpha 1 Gen 2 Lower unit. It is a 94 model.

I was wondering how hard it is to replace this, or if you have to have special tools to do this type of thing? I am pretty good at fixing things, so I would not be scared to try.

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: How hard to change Prop Shaft?

The tools you need are costly & it will require nearly complete disaasembly.....
The small fortune a new prop shaft would costs makes it really unjustifyable......
I would either have it redone professionally or buy a new SEI aftermarket lower.......​

 

[Bry21317]

Re: How hard to change Prop Shaft?

Ok,
I got it then. Thanks for the input. I will just ride it till it bothers me to bad, then lol. I will see what my Mechanic says also, hes a good old country guy. He hooks me up sometimes, as I send him quite some buisness.

 

[Bondo]

Re: How hard to change Prop Shaft?

Ayuh,..........

I gotta believe that the price of the Tools,+ a new replacement Propshaft would Equal or be Higher than the cost of 1 of the SEI lower units........

But,.........
If your Mechanic pulls the Propshaft out,..... Anybody with a Press can straighten it.....
And,.....
Check it for Pitting where the Seal rides,......
That's sent more Propshafts to the Scrap Bin than Bent shafts,......
Hands Down........................

 

[wca_tim]

Re: How hard to change Prop Shaft?

I just went through a similar issue (broken drive shaft), a little advice on here and homework on the web made it clear that an aftermarket lower unit was cheaper and a lot easier than rebuilding the lower unit or having it done. For less that $800 SEI delivered a new lower unit priority (2-day) ground and I was in business. It whined a little, especially at first because the gears aren't lapped at the factory, but has quieted down a good bit and seems to be working just fine overall so far. Hope this is helpful.

Cheers!