Hi, I've studied the posts search to avail on this subject, I have a 2001 Johnson 4hp that was given to me with this problem. The crank spline is stripped and rusted out so the prop no spin. The lower leg was dropped to confirm this. the motor runs fine, excellent actually. After seaching the posts the only fix is a new crank. OK but before I lay out $270 for a new crank, I've got a couple of ideas. I want to bore out the splines in the old crank and press a threaded inset into the end. Turn the splines off the drive shaft and thread it to match those of the insert. would this work? or is it too wild of an idea? I have access to a first rate machine shop. Any thought by those out there will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.....Robert