1988 Johnson 50 lower unit

[hillsh]

I am rebuilding a lower unit whose pinion gear broke in half. Had to replace the driveshaft and gears with a used set. Replaced the driveshaft thrust bearing (conical) and put it together with the old shim pack. Installed in the lower unit, the driveshaft is quite loose in the bearing - actually moves up and down about 1/32" or so - is this OK? I have been told that the driveshaft should have some slack in it, but how much?

[rodbolt]

hello that motor should have torrington bearings for the thrust surfaces. if you changed the pinion gear and or drive shaft the pinion must be shimmed with a proper tool or gear failure is most likely. take the driveshaft and bearing housing with the thrust washer, bearing and the pinion gear to a jonnyrude dealer and have the pinion height set. this is one place that its imperitive to use the correct tool and procedure or failure is likely. use a new pinion nut on reassembly.

[hillsh]

Originally posted by rodbolt: hello that motor should have torrington bearings for the thrust surfaces. if you changed the pinion gear and or drive shaft the pinion must be shimmed with a proper tool or gear failure is most likely. take the driveshaft and bearing housing with the thrust washer, bearing and the pinion gear to a jonnyrude dealer and have the pinion height set. this is one place that its imperitive to use the correct tool and procedure or failure is likely. use a new pinion nut on reassembly.

[hillsh]

Thanks for the comments - the motor does have a conical bearing on the driveshaft rather than the flat Torrington style you mention. Does your comment still hold with that type of bearing?