Spline wear

[Newyota]

When pulling lower unit on my 1985' 20hp I noticed some wear on the upper splines.Is this normal for an old engine?Or is this caused by hitting rocks etc...?

 

[racerone]

Caused by lack of maintenance/------That spline should be greased once in a while.---------On models with o-rings the o-ring is often left on the work bench.------If the lower unit and engine are not aligned you will get wear too.-----------Hitting stumps / rocks can bend the midsection to cause this.------Aluminum castings all warp with time too , yes they do !

 

[Newyota]

thanks for the feedback.

 

[F_R]

Problem is, on that model, they moved the o-ring from the drive shaft to an internal groove in the crankshaft---where you can't see it. If it is missing or deteriorated you can't keep grease in the splines very long. Worse, moisture gets in and rusts the splines in the crankshaft. When they rust out, you don't go anywhere. It's your call. Do you care enough to pull the powerhead and check?

 

[racerone]

Yes on many models the seal / o-ring is now part of the crankshaft seal housing.-------Much more time involved than in the past to maintain.-------------There has been a lot of " progress " in some areas.----------Myself I have seen enough of it.---------Sometimes the old ways are better !