Re: Mercury 50hp Driveshaft Question
Dunno if there's any way to get that out without pulling the powerhead. Once the powerhead is removed, you'll be able to get hold of the 'stub' and get it out of the crank.
Another thought, you could drill a hole in the center of the shaft, thread it, and use a slide hammer to remove. But you'd have to be real careful if it's stuck, as you can damage the internals with the shock of a slide hammer. Probably be quite difficult to do this while the powerhead is bolted up to the mid-section.
If, as you say, the shaft isn't stuck in the crank splines, it should be an easy remove once you have access to the broken part. But, if it's stuck, I'd be concerned about the condition of the crank splines as well. I've had 'em so badly rusted that the only way to get the driveshaft out of the crankshaft was to disassemble the entire engine, remove crank/driveshaft, and send to a machinist. That was an old JohnRude 9.5. I was able to pull the driveshaft out of the lower unit in one piece, fortunately didn't have to cut it.
The other thing I'd worry about is why the shaft broke in the first place. It's not a common thing to see on these.
HTH & G'luck with the repair.........ed
