Missing spring?

[jebeebe]

Hi,
I see by some parts blow-ups that there should be a spring at the top of the drive shaft on my 60hp 1988 merc (ob343140). Could the previous owner have lost it, or was there not one on some models? It looks like it goes on the dowl pin and could it be stuck up in the crank? We had the crank out when we overhauled it and I don't remember seeing one. haven't found any lying on the floor of the shop. I know you can pull up on the shaft and it will move about a quarter of an inch, (the key in the pump impeller is loose an allows it to move up and down). This doesn't seem right. I can see where the spring would fix that. Will I damage the gears if it isn't there?..............................Jerry

 

[jebeebe]

Re: Missing spring?

bump

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Missing spring?

You're correct, IF that lower unit is original to that motor it should have a preload pin on top of the drive shaft. If someone has changed the lower unit with a different style, it may not have one.

If the gear housing has a tapered roller bearing beneath the water pump, it requires the preload pin (ob343140 had this) to keep the shaft pushed down against the bearing. Other gear housings have a standard roller bearing, and don't require the preload pin on the drive shaft.

Does your drive shaft have a hole in the top end for the spring & pin?

Spring & pin are inexpensive to replace with new.

 

[jebeebe]

Re: Missing spring?

yes it does have a pin, and I don't know if the spring is stuck in the crankshaft or missing. I suppose I should pull the lower unit off again and check. I am getting weary fo pulling that thing off ,but I don't want gear problems either. I should be good at this before long. Thanks for the info...................Jerry

 

[jebeebe]

Re: Missing spring?

hi,
Ran the motor today and it ran sweet. Did jump out of reverse when I reved it. I suppose the shaft lifts up in reverse and without the spring to preload, it hops out of gear. I pulled the lower unit when I got home and there is no spring in the hole. I have one ordered along with a splined seal which doesn't look good, probably due to the shaft jumping up and down. Hope this is the last time the lower unit has to come off for a while. I am getting wear of trying to line up shaft and water tube. Thanks for the help..............Jerry