pin and spring on top driveshaft

buddhapi

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 14, 2009
Messages
161
my motor is a 1972 40 horse mercury "402". I pulled my lower unit off today to put a new water pump impeller in, and I see there is a pin on the top of the driveshaft. I then did some searching on site, and see there is a spring below that pin. Is there suppose to be movement with that pin? it is solid. last time I use this motor was June of 1998, and it shifted fine, but the carb was dirty, and it didn't want to idle. is this pin suppose to be solid, or move? asap please as I want to get this buttoned up tomorrow some time. thank's; Gregory
 

corm

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
May 12, 2000
Messages
1,241
Re: pin and spring on top driveshaft

Hi,

That spring is pretty stiff it holds you upper driveshaft bearing down into the race under your water pump. This effects you gear lash. So if you think it is stuck hit it with a hammer and see if it will move. Like you were driving a nail in.
Chances are that it will and your ok to put it back together. be sure to grease it and the driveshaft splines
 

buddhapi

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 14, 2009
Messages
161
Re: pin and spring on top driveshaft

thank's for the update, and sorry to bug you again, but this is the first time I've ever ripped into a lower unit. I tapped it hard with a plastic handled screwdriver, but that may not have been enough force to see it move? I will use a small hammer tomorrow. thank's again; Gregory
 

bnt5

Cadet
Joined
Dec 12, 2004
Messages
11
Re: pin and spring on top driveshaft

hate to hijack a thread but I just pulled my Merc lower unit and there was no pin and spring on top of the drive shaft? Is there supposed to be one? It is a 1987 Mercury 70 hp ob207366. With my luck lately I am guessing it is stuck somewhere up in the motor....
 
Top