Trusting a used prop shaft

[essdee]

Hello all,

I've borrowed the pic from an existing thread (hope the original author doesn't mind) since my outboard met with a similar accident. Skeg took the brunt but while the prop was severely bent, it didn't break off.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=433141&page=1

1. I stripped the lower unit - all internals OK.
2. Turned the prop shaft on a lathe - it's straight and true.
3. Old and new prop slide on/off the shaft easily.

Now I don't want to contradict any of the excellent advice given in the original thread, but I have 2 questions:

1. Is it *very likely* the shaft will snap at some point and I will lose the new prop (plus arrange a tow home)? I mean in your experience (I have zero!) how often does this happen?

2. A new shaft is around $300-$400, and a used one about a third of that (say $100). But, I suspect a skilled metal worker can straighten the splines without leaving a trace (except for spectograph analysis), so what's the guarantee a used shaft was not formerly twisted/bent? Surely, better the devil you know (my existing prop shaft) than the devil you don't (some stranger on eBay)?

Is a new shaft the only way out of this?!

Thanks : )
Sam

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Trusting a used prop shaft

1 Not likely the prop shaft will snap. You won't likely find anyone who'll straighten the splines for what you can buy a used prop shaft.
2. A used prop shaft is fine. A prop shaft that was bent and straightened is fine. You're overthinking this. These's a lot of salvage yards under the Link under my name. They're typically a decent bunch to deal with and honest.

 

[essdee]

Re: Trusting a used prop shaft

These's a lot of salvage yards under the Link under my name. They're typically a decent bunch to deal with and honest.

Thanks Jim. Yes, I'm over-thinking - trying to compensate for lack of experience : )
I can't find the LINKS you pointed to. I click your name but that opens your profile only... ?

Sam

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Trusting a used prop shaft

NOT my name, the link below
Link: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=299680

 

[essdee]

Re: Trusting a used prop shaft

Oh, sorry. Got it now. Thank you very much!

Sam

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Trusting a used prop shaft

I would not use a propshaft that has been torqued that much. Takes a lot of oomph to twist one like that and it likely has some weakness associated with it. You've got it apart - replace it.

What is the motor? I may have a propshaft for it...

- Scott

 

[essdee]

Re: Trusting a used prop shaft

I would not use a propshaft that has been torqued that much. Takes a lot of oomph to twist one like that and it likely has some weakness associated with it. You've got it apart - replace it.

What is the motor? I may have a propshaft for it...

- Scott

Thanks Scott. Normally I'd just replace it with a new one, but cashflow's a little challenging right now.

You're right about the torque damage, but actually the pic is from an older thread. The damage on mine is about 50% less twist - noticeable but not alarming - and the shaft rotates true on a lathe.
Still, as you say, if I've got it open I might as well look into replacing it with a used one.

As per Evinrude's catalogue, the OEM# is 0436834.
Many thanks for the help.

-------
Sam