Should there be this much slop in gear?

[ezmobee]

I was changing my lower unit lube last night and consequently messing with it a little bit. I noticed that when in gear (either FWD or REV) I can turn the propeller a good 1/3 - 1/2 turn before I can't turn it any more. Should there be this much slop in it? Motor is a '73 Johnson 85.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Should there be this much slop in gear?

That's the distance between the engagement lugs on the gear and the lugs on the clutch dog. No problem.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Should there be this much slop in gear?

Ah, good to hear. Thanks.

 

[F_R]

Re: Should there be this much slop in gear?

That's because the clutch dog has to catch the rapidly spinning gear "on the fly". They give it lots of room to do it.