OMC lower unit question

[rojoc]

After all the proper adjustments from Stuart & original service manual I still get the occasional thud or jump in the outdrive. Oil is very clean (on water), but I noticed some end play on the prop shaft. I measured with a caliper and it is about .050". Nowhere can I find what the tolerance should be. If that number is unusually high what could be the cause? Shims or bearing wear? 88 5.0 (400+ hrs.) Thanks in advance

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC lower unit question

The end play is normal. <br />If the drive is actually popping out and immediatlly back into gear, the problem is the shift clutch and forward gear shift dogs are probably rounded. This is assuming the shift cable moves freely and isn't worn out causing it to have excess end play. <br />Once the round over, replacement of the gears is required. If the cable is very old, it should be replaced too.