"Alvin, sorry, and I'll tr
"Alvin, sorry, and I'll try to be more clear here:
1. Whether this PDS has one or two bearings on it, when it is removed, it will be removed AFT.... (that means out the "rear" in marine terminology!)
2. Whether one or two bearings, both AFT large snap rings must be removed! (this requires a very long "modified-at-the-tips", needle nose pliers.)
***If one (1) bearing only, the shaft can occasionally be pulled out AFT (again, that's rearward) once the snap rings are out of the way.
This requires grabbing onto the shaft with an <font size=""+1"">extremely Large Vice-Grip pliers</font> and pulling.
***If two (2) bearings are on this shaft, it makes removing the PDS out AFT a little more complex... in-that;
(a.) you will be fighting the friction of the FWD bearing (that's the one towards the front of the shaft) as it will be a snug fit onto this PDS.
(b.) the FWD bearing will NOT come out with the shaft, but will rather remain in the flywheel cover until you can access it from the FWD side ....... of which usually means that the engine must be removed.
(c.) only the AFT bearing can be replaced..... but this is OK as it is the one that takes most of the shaft load....... and if you plan to remove the engine during the next off season, the FWD bearing can be replaced then!
So you can see that you have a few things yet to discover. My guess is, this uses the two bearings!
It is certainly worth a try to see if it can come out the aft end of the flywheel cover.
You have nothing to loose by trying.
This would be a good read for you.
http://www.marineengine.com/discus/messages/12487/293423.shtml
Here is another ME.com forum thread on this;
http://www.marineengine.com/discus/messages/12487/293128.shtml
Seems like there are a few more also. "