offshorefisher

I’ve had a couple of worn input shafts where the gimbal bearing rides. When I service the drive the orings are almost always gone and I’ve had to replace a couple of input shafts after noticing wear and hearing some chatter. Alignment is good and motor mounts are new and tight. I’ve also had two engine couplers on there with the same issue. Anyway ever had a similar issue?

Griff

The input shaft prob has too much run out

Ryanw10

How easy does the alignment bar slide in? Were u joints replaced and and grease zerks aligned with each other? Any vibrations in the boat? I wouldn't think input shaft runout as it has been changed multiple times.

Has the motor ever been removed?

offshorefisher

I've had the motor in and out and now have a new motor with a new coupler and bellhousing/mounts on that side. It's happened on several different drives, not just the same combination. Alignment has always been a little tougher to get right on that side, but the tool slides in pretty easy - not quite two finger, but not a hand either-- and I've never had an issue installing or removing drives. I've also had the transom assembly apart to replace steering pin, bushings, etc. It seems to have the same issue. The transom is about 2" thick. I'm almost wondering if it's possible that the cutout and mounting holes aren't perfectly straight, but I've definitely seen boats with worse alignment. Boat has been running for 25 years, but it seems like I've had more drive issues on that side by far. It's also the left hand rotator, so I always attributed it to that. No unusual vibration that I haven't had before.