2001 200hp Optimax snapped driveshaft

[mustang5]

Well second outing in my Proline 27 which I imported from the USA to Australia, hasnt ended up so well ;?

Took the boat out today to clean all the injectors which was a success, and believe it or not, I have snapped a driveshaft... Not related of course

Anyways, the port motor has been hard to get into gear for the first two trips, it would only go into gear with a bit of extra revs, and would sometimes clunk in and out of gear until it would engage.. Not so much of a grind, more a click click click...

Anyways, I found that if I took off with the stbrd motor and then put the port motor into gear, it would go in ok... Until today..

Went to put it into forward, then all of a sudden it was just free revving... Next minute a temp alarm comes on and I look back to see no telltale.... Came home on one motor and took the LU off to find the driveshaft snapped at the top.. You beauty...

So, firstly, what is the symptoms of why it is hard to get into gear??? (The gear selector controls are very hard to move also). Is it just the control cable, gear shift rod? Or is the gearbox buggered?

I have disconnected the control cable on the motor side, and the control box is very free flowing.

Secondly, what other Mercury O/B have the same driveshaft as the 200hp optis, so I can source a driveshaft?

Thanks all!! I thought you Americans looked after your boats?? Haha joking joking.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 2001 200hp Optimax snapped driveshaft

What's the oil look like inside the drive?Sounds like you bought a lot of someones elses troubles(I take real good care of mine)thats why it was for sale.
The lower unit sounds like it's joined the other side and went bad.Check the oil for shavings and chunks.Then contact a lawyer to get some of your $$$ back.
Sounds like you got screwed.J

 

[mustang5]

Re: 2001 200hp Optimax snapped driveshaft

On the gear case, I can flick it into gear with my fingers and as I turn the prop it turns the drive shaft..

The cables feel loose when not connected to the shift rod, but when connected to the shift rod, without the lower unit on, it is still as tight to move.

Could it be something with the shift connection on the motor??

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: 2001 200hp Optimax snapped driveshaft

Is the shift rod binding??? On the driveshaft is it the single or double bearing?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: 2001 200hp Optimax snapped driveshaft

A worn cable can feel fine disconnected, but once any load is place on it, the cable 'drags' in the 'slots' worn into the inner lining, causing hard shifting and excessive shock loading of the drive when engine speed increases before the drive engages.

Also, too much throttle cable preload, forcing the throttle into the idle position can cause binding in the control box.

Look up the part # of you broken shaft here, then start checking sources for your replacement.

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/mercruiser_parts.asp

 

[mustang5]

Re: 2001 200hp Optimax snapped driveshaft

Drained the oil, it was a dark browny colour with good viscosity, no real sign of water intrusion or metal shavings.

The DS snapped right at the top, can anyone think of a way to remove the snapped section without taking the powerhead off?

Cheers

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: 2001 200hp Optimax snapped driveshaft

Ouch..... it will need to come off but good thing is you can leave everything attached except shift cable. When you reassemble install the new reinforced base gasket.