Time to reseal the gearcase

[interalian]

Bad news. The chrome plating in the seal area has failed. And there’s pitting where the impeller sits. I think this drive shaft is toast. I still have a spare gearcase but it sounds like it’s grinding rocks and has been empty for 2 plus years. Swap shafts? Not a handyman operation I suspect.

 

[interalian]

Or do I just re-seal the bearing housing o-ring, grease the seals, bolt it together and run it for a few hours this year?

 

[racerone]

A job for a " speedy sleeve " perhaps.

 

[interalian]

I don't know about a sleeve. I'm a bit concerned the shaft is pitted deeply under the waterpump mounting area. Might rust through and break.

Took another look at the spare gearcase and on reflection the gears just sounded dry. When I got it, there was little oil in it but no water. Passed pressure and vacuum tests so I filled it with lube and will try it out. Nothing to lose here but some time. If it works out, that $300 donor motor will have really paid for itself. It's an older case with no location for anode above the trim tab.

 

[SweetD]

Sounds like you're set up for a "kick save"...good luck, and let us know how it turns out!

 

[interalian]

Got the '79 case mounted and ran it up in the barrel. Works OK, now for a lake test.

 

[w2much]

I recently had a drive shaft that looked like yours. I took some plumbers sandpaper and got most od the pitting out. I also adjusted the heights of the seal a bit so that they did not ride the pitted area . Held pressure and vacuum. Hope the future test runs go well.I think they will

 

[interalian]

As much as the seal area problem, I'm concerned the deep pitting in the water pump area will eventually crack the shaft. I had to really work to get the impeller off that rusty spot. The brass inner ring on the impeller wasn't affected, it was just the pressure from oxidized steel holding it down. If the current setup is working OK I may leave it in place. Not having an anode makes little difference as this is now only a fresh water motor. Speedometer pitot will need to be bought as the '79 leg is missing that feature.