This can't be good......

[Xcusme]

Well, I tore into this 84' Johnson 6HP this evening to R/R the water pump. Someone had done quite a bang-up job with the water pump housing, RTV'd the gaskets etc. Upon closer inspection of the drive shaft (powerhead end) I noticed the splines are chipped. The gearcase end is fine.<br /><br />I'm wondering if this is just the result of improper assembly during the last impeller change or too loose a tolerance in the crank to drive shaft during milling. If I had a crystal ball, I would not be surprised to see me pulling the powerhead to check the crank splines. <br /><br />Any suggestions?? Cause/Remedy (beyond a new drive shaft)<br />

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[Xcusme]

Re: This can't be good......

Any thoughts on the cause of the spline damage??

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: This can't be good......

macnine shop could spray weld and remachine the splines ... any vibration as it is? if it aint broke, dont fix it!

 

[Xcusme]

Re: This can't be good......

Nope, I didn't notice any vibration, but I reinserted just the shaft into the powerhead and there's quite a bit of slop. I'll look into the welding/regrind option. <br /><br />Thanks

 

[alcan]

Re: This can't be good......

I find this type damage is caused buy shifting at too hi Rpm. This will eventualy cause the driveshaft to lock into the crankshaft. And then twist off the splined end of the driveshaft. The pictures you show are not that bad. With reasonable care this motor should last many more seasons. Do the best you can to keep it off sand/mud bars and don't hit stuff. This is another cause and will accelerate the problem. How long will it last? I don't know. Probably longer than you will own the motor.