Drive Shaft Force 1998 40hp

malibu76 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-18-2007, 07:01 PM

I am rebuilding the lower unit of a 1998 Force 40HP Model H040412UD. In my manual the Drive Shaft pictures a heavy duty spring above the pinion bearing. My question is what is the proper placement of the spring and what is its purpose. I install the drive shaft with upper and lower bearing and pinion gear and have approximatley 1/8 inch of end play before installing the forward and reverse gears. Is this normal? With the installation of the forward and reverse gears will the endplay no longer exist. This model and horsepower does not call for shimming.
The spring is not mentioned in my manual in the reassemble process, but even thought it fits tight on the shaft it can be moved, and it protrudes onto the lower bearing travel approximatley the width of the spring material.

thanks for the info,

Jimmy

MercuryPartsUs · #2 (**permalink**) 06-20-2007, 08:20 AM

Our Service Manager is out. I will have him contact you ASAP about your questions.

malibu76 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-20-2007, 07:00 PM

Thank you very much,

Jimmy

boats.net · #4 (**permalink**) 06-20-2007, 09:31 PM

The only spring I see is the clutch spring thats fits against shift clutch dog.

malibu76 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-24-2007, 05:44 PM

No. The spring I am talking about is on the drive shaft. It shows it in the exploded view in my manual but no number. If you look at the service manual for my 1998 Force 40 hp, you will see it on the exploded diagram, on the drive shaft right above the pinion gear. You will see the nut the pinion gear cup and roller bearing and then the spring which is pictured on the shaft. thanks for helping, just want to get your thoughts.
Jimmy

boats.net · #6 (**permalink**) 06-26-2007, 04:43 PM

I havn't rebuilt one of those lower units but it looks like the spring just rides up against shoulder of drive shaft to help hold up on drive shaft at low speeds. I don't see any endplay specs listed in manual, not sure what would excessive.