Lower Unit Slack

[ray21]

I stripped the drive gear last summer on my 1990 150HP Force, and recently bought a used lower unit to replace my ruined one.<br /><br />I mounted the lower unit the other day, and noticed that when I shift into gear, there is some play in the propshaft. I can rotate the prop about 1/8 or 1/6 of a turn back and forth. I can't find much info, but I did find one post on another forum that said this is normal, and it is the slack in the slider between forward and reverse...is this correct?<br /><br />Needless to say, after busting one lower unit last year, I'm very paranoid about this used one that I purchased. Should there be any slack in the prop shaft when put into forward or reverse?

 

[Al Santamaria]

Re: Lower Unit Slack

very paranoid <br /> I had problems with my lower unit also,can you tell me how much you paid for yours.

 

[ray21]

Re: Lower Unit Slack

paid about $300, so i consider it a great deal if its a good unit. the gearcase looks pretty good, i'm just worried about the slack...i can't recall whether the old one had any slack in it or not.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Lower Unit Slack

Don't worry about it Ray, it's normal to have some play at the prop.

 

[ray21]

Re: Lower Unit Slack

thanks rick...<br />i know that several i've looked at in the last few weeks (friends, neighbors, etc), all have a little play, but were all evinrudes, and not nearly as much as mine has...so i didn't know if too much play signified "worn" gears or bad shim jobs.<br />no matter, i'm sure i'll be grinding my teeth on the first trial run waiting to hear that "pop" which is now embedded in my brain... <br /><br />are there any indications (other than water in gearcase) that i should watch out for to judge the condition of this lower unit? and thing i can look for to point out possible problems with it?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Lower Unit Slack

Other than the water in the gearcase, just listen for unusual noises when running in gear. Not so much when you put it in gear, but while running. Of course, if it pops out of gear when running or seems to "Jump" in and out, then there would be need for concern. I wouldn't worry about it. Take it out and have some fun..<br /><br />Oh yeah, always shift into gear with authority(Not Slowly) and check the lube after the first run.