Newer spline shaft yoke and Older center socket incompatibility?

[mylesm260]

I'm using an older MR center socket and a newer alpha coupler shaft (to go with my newer triangular coupler)

I am getting a knocking sound at 90%+ turning left or right

I removed my leg and compaired my old spline shaft yoke to my new one and noticed some difference which I believe are causing the problem.

First of all, the newer spline shaft has a wider yoke than the old one. It seems to still fit with the U-Joint ends, but, it looks like it reduces the availbile turning of the joint.

Second, the new shaft has higher ridges (Shown in picture) where it would clear the center socket piece. I believe this is where my knocking is comming from.

Right now, I'm thinking about grabbing my die-grinder and shaping it more like my old shaft. What are everybody's thoughts?

I think these are my options:
A) grind new shaft to be more like old one
b) replace center socket section
C) use old spline shaft (still in good shape, but no 3rd o-ring to seal grease in coupler)

Here are some pics in higher res:

Thanks everybody in advanced!

http://207.81.149.108/steeringknock1.jpg

http://207.81.149.108/steeringknock2.jpg

http://207.81.149.108/steeringknock3.jpg

 

[Don S]

Re: Newer spline shaft yoke and Older center socket incompatibility?

What is the part number of the new shaft.

 

[mylesm260]

Re: Newer spline shaft yoke and Older center socket incompatibility?

It came with coupler kit 18-2175.

I belive it is part #18-2146 (59830A7)

Here is the description of the shaft that comes in the kit (I think) from partman, the website I bought the kit form

59830A7 Universal Joint Yoke - Coupling END
$79.95
18-2149

Replaces Mercruiser Part #59830A1 And A7. Fits #1/MR/Alpha, GEN-II, Bravor and Blackhawk up to new "GKN" style.

It says it is compatible with MR, but, I doesn't say if I have to change the center yoke socket section.





Here is the description of the actual ITEM I purchaced from the website (And used with my ALPHA-1 MR)

18-2175 Engine Coupler Kit
$259.95
18-2175
Replaces Mercruiser part #18643A7. comes with new style "yoke". Flex plate style for late style 3" Flywheel bolt pattern. GM (Chevy) 4.3. 5.0 and 5.7-liter engines with 14" flywheels. (also some early 7.4-Liter engine using Alpha outdrive).(Note:if you have newer yoke, see part #18-2323 w/o yoke).

 

[kellyisu]

Re: Newer spline shaft yoke and Older center socket incompatibility?

Just picked up that same kit for my dad off of the eBasicPower website for $219.95 (that was all together w/ shipping).

 

[mylesm260]

Re: Newer spline shaft yoke and Older center socket incompatibility?

Thanks for the heads up, I will have to keep that in mind.

I picked up this kit last year.

 

[Don S]

Re: Newer spline shaft yoke and Older center socket incompatibility?

18-2175.

That is all I needed to know.
It's just another case of the OEM stuff works, and the cheaper aftermarket stuff just doesn't quite make the grade, but it is cheaper.

 

[mylesm260]

Re: Newer spline shaft yoke and Older center socket incompatibility?

So what do I do now?

Grind my shaft?

 

[Don S]

Re: Newer spline shaft yoke and Older center socket incompatibility?

Grinding will probably get things way out of balance.
Get the right OEM shaft for your drive.

 

[mylesm260]

Re: Newer spline shaft yoke and Older center socket incompatibility?

Hmmmm

I have the oem shaft, however, it was originally used with the small round coupler.

Now I'm running the newer triangular style coupler.

 

[mylesm260]

Re: Newer spline shaft yoke and Older center socket incompatibility?

Any second oppinions?

Should I just use my old shaft? It looks pretty similar, except it's missing the o-ring for inside the coupler.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Newer spline shaft yoke and Older center socket incompatibility?

Ayuh,....

I'd use the old 1.....

There may, or may not be alittle lost Grease because of the o-ring.........

 

[mylesm260]

Re: Newer spline shaft yoke and Older center socket incompatibility?

sweet, thank you.

My only concern with the old shaft is this:

That old shaft was in use when my old coupler failed. Now, having said that, The old shaft is made out of steel and the splines look perfect, where as my old coupler had aluminum splines. So I guess in this case it was steel 1, aluminum 0.

Do steel spline shafts ever get damaged when the aluminum couplers they are mated with strip out?

 

[JustJason]

Re: Newer spline shaft yoke and Older center socket incompatibility?

sure can, anything is possbile...
post a pic of your old shaft.

 

[mylesm260]

Re: Newer spline shaft yoke and Older center socket incompatibility?

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=270939