Dumb Question

[flburgher]

I just pulled the lower unit off of a 1978 50 hp Mercury outboard. There are two shafts one bigger around than the other. I assume the fatter of the two drives the prop and the water pump. If that is correct what is the skinny shaft for?

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Dumb Question

You have the driveshaft going through the waterpump and the other is not a shaft.. it's the water tube. This fits into the hole in the waterpump and has a rubber washer. The one near the back is the lower shift shaft.If they are both attached to the removed L/U, the water tube has come out at the powerhead end and will need to be lined up when you re-install.<br />This is a removed 40hp showing driveshaft and shift shaft with a hole where the tube goes.<br /><br />

<br /><br /><br /> BTW.. When posting... you are probably better off calling the title "Merc L/U question" or similar..<br />No questions on here are "Dumb"

 

[flburgher]

Re: Dumb Question

Thanks Unicorn. I will keep that in mind next time