Have an Evinrude lower unit and was in the process of water pump maintenance when I noticed a slight conical groove (@ 0.05") at the water pump shaft hole. Further inspection showed the shaft to have lateral slop. About 0.75" at the end of the shaft and @ 0.065" at the seal.
Is the shaft slop normal or does this indicate a bad thrust bearing or just bad seals?
Is the shaft slop normal or does this indicate a bad thrust bearing or just bad seals?