Lower unit has small amount of play

[crankit]

I noticed that my prop has a very very small amount slack in the up and down direction. How can I tell if this is the prop or if it is the Lower unit bearings? My motor is a 94 175 Johnson Faststrike. Should I be concerned?

Thanks,

Crankit

 

[imported_lorin]

Re: Lower unit has small amount of play

Probably should not be concerned. Prop shaft housing bearings dont usually have problems if motor is maintained. If there were a problem with gears or bearings you would probably notice other more serious symptoms.To do a check of prop shaft, remove the prop and the large washer that is in front of prop. Put motor in neutral. Turn the prop shaft by hand and look at it where it enters the prop shaft housing through the seal. If everything is OK, as you turn the shaft it should appear to be making a perfect circle where it enters seal, and not some kind of off-kilter oval/circle. There may be a little play in the shaft. Check out some other motors for comparison.