Prop wobbling...is the shaft bent?

[boater_bill]

Hi, I have a mercruiser MCM 470 with an alpha one stern drive. I was told that the shaft is bent because the prop wobbles a bit while spinning. I don't think it wobbles that much but he suggested I get a new prop shaft installed. Unfortunately this job costs around $800 which I don't have right now. So I was wondering, is this urgent or can I put it of until next season? Or better yet, does it really have to be fixed, or can I just run it the way it is (I don't think there is that much wobble on it).
Please see the video attached and tell me what you think.
Also, if there is a quick fix or cheaper option, please let me know (the guy told me that I might find a used lower end of the stern drive for sale).

Thanks:joyous:

 

[Bondo]

Hi, I have a mercruiser MCM 470 with an alpha one stern drive. I was told that the shaft is bent because the prop wobbles a bit while spinning. I don't think it wobbles that much but he suggested I get a new prop shaft installed. Unfortunately this job costs around $800 which I don't have right now. So I was wondering, is this urgent or can I put it of until next season? Or better yet, does it really have to be fixed, or can I just run it the way it is (I don't think there is that much wobble on it).
Please see the video attached and tell me what you think.
Also, if there is a quick fix or cheaper option, please let me know (the guy told me that I might find a used lower end of the stern drive for sale).

Thanks:joyous:

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,... If you can detect a wobble in the end of the prop shaft, usin' an indicator, the prop shaft needs to be fixed or replaced,....
If ya replace the entire lower unit, Go for it, the prop shaft has been changed, the bent 1 is no longer in service,...

If ya wanta run it, as is,... It's yer boat, Go for it,......
The lower unit, 'n possibly the entire drive, Will fail,... No tellin', When though,....

 

[Bt Doctur]

I would pull the prop and then run it in gear looking at the prop shaft for a wobble. might just be a prop issue

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would first pull the prop and check, some prop hubs are off and can cause prop wobble.

if bent, then address it.

 

[boater_bill]

Thanks for your suggestions, I'll pull it off and check the shaft when I have the time (hopefully its just the prop hub). If the shaft is bent...well then i guess i'll have to replace it. Although i think it would be cheaper to just replace the lower unit. What do you think? -->if bent, should I repair the shaft or replace the lower unit?

 

[thumpar]

If the shaft turns out to be bent I would just get an SEI lower. It is less expensive than the quote you got and you get a whole new lower with 1 year warranty.

 

[Bondo]

Thanks for your suggestions, I'll pull it off and check the shaft when I have the time (hopefully its just the prop hub). If the shaft is bent...well then i guess i'll have to replace it. Although i think it would be cheaper to just replace the lower unit. What do you think? -->if bent, should I repair the shaft or replace the lower unit?

Ayuh,.... As I said above,... It don't matter,.....

Depends on whether ya find a cheap lower that fits,... they're 'round,....

 

[DaveG55]

Just replaced the entire outdrive, upper and lower, with a used one . Whole thing was $800. I'd think you could find just a lower for half that and do the swap yourself. If that's the way you decide to go be sure to put in a new impeller/pump while it's apart.