Bearings go in the leg 73 50hp

[johnnyo34]

I just bought this boat with a 1973 50hp Mercury.. I checked with the previous owner, & he traded it of because the bearings keep going out in the leg.. Would I just have to get another shaft or should I look for another used leg.. The previous owner thinks the shaft is bent, because he had to replace the bearings every year..

 

[jeff_smith_0423]

Re: Bearings go in the leg 73 50hp

There are enough of those used lower units floating around that I would probably just replace it. Who knows what other damage has been done if it's been running with a bent propshaft or driveshaft for this many years.

 

[johnnyo34]

Re: Bearings go in the leg 73 50hp

Ok thanks, The previous owner said he took it in to a boat repair shop this year to replace the shaft & ebearings etc.. but he thinks he got shafted, & the guy only replaced a couple bearings & seals, so he just got mad & traded the boat off. He said the rest of the motor , boat & trailer are excellent.. I got the outfit for $600, so I think it's OK, also open front.. The only other thing is a small leak of hydraulic fluid from what looks like a silver frost plug on the tilt/trim pump..