play in lower unit

[surrender]

how much play should the prop shaft have when the motor is in gear(motor off)? seem like the shaft will freely turn maybe 30 degrees in either direction before it hits what i guess is the two gears coming togeher. havent put motor in and out of gear with motor running yet, not ready yet. just something i noticed. motor is an 85 johnson 115

 

[robert graham]

Re: play in lower unit

The gears are always in mesh, just clutch dogs engage...if it's running fine, don't worry about it...they have some play in them.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: play in lower unit

Completely normal. There is a fair bit of space between the clutch dog lugs and the mating lugs on the gears to allow for easier shifting...

 

[Mas]

Re: play in lower unit

Check out this video of gear operation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuAcrDFvApA&feature=related

Mas