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Bent driveshaft Can it be bent back straight?

T

TrickyRicky

Member
Bought a used gearcase on Theifbay. According to the drivehaft number it is from an 89 Commercial 45 /55 hp. I bought it to use on a 79 55hp. Looks like it will work . The main difference I can see is the larger gears and 4 1/4 outlet. The problem is this. The driveshaft appears to be bent. When you spin the propshaft by hand and observe the drivehaft it appears to wobble at the spline end. From my best observation the length of the driveshaft appears straight. It looks like the driveshaft bent near the top of the water pump during shipping.

Should I just avoid a future problem and send it back? Really don't want to ruin the splines in the crank. Is it possible to bend it by hand back straight enough to be OK. What is acceptable to use and not cause wear problems? Any advice?
 
Sounds like you have two choices. One, take it apart and take the d/s to a machine shop and have it straightened. Two, send it back.
 
"What in the world are you talking about. It is almost impossible to bend a driveshaft, even if you put it in a large vise and try to hit it with a sledge hammer!! I have about 15 pic's of that unit from all directions, and can see no bends. Did you install it? and have a problem with it? Did it not work? I have sold about 700 in the last few years, and never have seen a "bent" driveshaft. I would have noticed it long before I put it up for sale!! However, even though I do not except returns, If you send me, or fax,the professional infomation from your licensed marina, I will call and speak to him, than I will accept it. It must be packed exactally as it was when you received it, and if it is damaged on the return , UPS will make note of it when it is delivered and we will not accept it and YOU will have to file a claim with them, I can't! [only the shipper can] You must pay the return shipping. "

This is what I'm dealing with. I am honest. Seems like the seller knew it was bent and is just lying. I am not paying to ship it back. Already he says he will not accept it and is trying to make me file a claim!
There is a heavy wear mark on half of the driveshaft and not the other half. Right under ther splines on the smooth part of the shaft. Seems obvious it was run that way for a while. I did not use it put oil in it or even do anything to it except spin the prop shaft by hand and see the wobble in the driveshaft! What would you do!
 
No I did not even remove my current gearbox to see if it would slide in. After I saw the bent shaft there really was no need to proceed in my opinion. The only thing I did was remove the drain plug to see if was milky. Actually what little oil was in left in it (after draiing) was black and a had a few metal sand grit size pieces in it. I was thinking of filing a claim. Since the seller was selling a usable lower unit (not parts) and specifically indicated there are no problems with the unit.

Having the unit disassembled is not going to be done by me. I don't have the tools.
 
No, not from Oregon. From Ormond Beach FL. Not trying ruin him. Used PP and credit card. Didn't leave neg feedback and really don't want to. Even if he does deserve it. I am not going to pay to ship it back. He will likely not refund my money if he is willing to handle this ordeal with accusations and attacks. He already said he would refuse the shipment and make me file a claim with shipper which is BS. I guess I will be forced to either give it a go myself or drop it off at Marine shop. Estimated $200 labor + seal kit and shaft (unless I can perform a straightening miracle).
 
I guess I will look into buying a drivshaft socket and a puller for the carrier for a start. If I can get the tools for $200 or less it would be OK That is if the rest of the internals are good.
 
Ricky, there is a guy down here in FL pulling CRAP like that that I've seen on other posts sometime back. If I think of where he was, I'll get back to you. Could you post a business name or not ??
 
I only know his name. Gordon S+++++ . I feel a bit sore but what can I do? Just look forward . Thanks for the words Boobie . It eases the pain a little
 
Well in all fairness he does have 560 feedbacks. Some negatives but only 1 in 12 months. More negatives from years past in history. It appears most of his transactions are good with some exceptions. But there could be more that were settled. Maybe I got burned this time. He probably thought I would just oil it up and slap it in. I'm not defending him or protecting him. He could be legit, admit an oversight and do right by me but that seems to be the minority these days. What comes around goes around. I will try to link some of his items so you can see what he has. I payed $400 shipped. My concern is trying to make the best of a bad situation and fix the unit so it can be used.
 
What can I say but you are a good person Tricky! You defend an obvious slight and a bad experience from anothers influence.

Kahma!

What comes around etc...................you are in front by yards!

B
 
I have been to this guy's place/shop. I gotta tell you....I thought MY shop was messy!
This place is a disaster.

It is at 801 North Beach street, Daytona Beach FL. Map it out....maybe you can see a street view....

The following statement is a general statement regarding gearcase repair. I don't know the specifics of your gearcase.
But anyway.....the bad thing about replacing a driveshaft is that you have to shim it. Takes special tools, and when you finally get it shimmed, then you must shim the forward and reverse gears properly. Tricky task.
 
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My current gearcase is from a 76 55hp. It just has the slightest bend to the driveshaft(that is why I bought this one).Actually far less bend then the lower unit I bought. Unfortunately the parts are not interchangeable from parts list. The spray can job comment is funny. A bunch of paint rubbed off from moving in the shipping box.
Can't say its a shocker about the disaster boat yard comment. If I get more time I'll check out the view. My first laugh with this deal.
Good info on the backlash. The video link is good. A real clear shim 101.
I'm still emailing the seller and he is responding so maybe it can work out .We will see .Thanks for all the support!
 
I have been very patiently dealing with this lower unit. Seller agreed to accept return for lower unit. He also agreed to pay for the return shipping. Sounds great right. Well now he send this email after he received his lower unit. "
I received the unit this morning, your packing didn't hold up very well, lower part of unit [skeg,fin] sticking out of bottom, and banged up. The box and bottom protecting wood not secured enough. UPS man advised me to return to sender or to UPS office for inspection. I was so tired of this transaction, told hin to just give it to me!! Pic's attached. I'll just grind off the skeg a little and repaint it [also scraped on the side]. If I send it back it will be a couple of weeks before they check it out , and ultimitely their decision would be "improperly packed" and would not pay any claim and they wouldn't send it back in that condition, you would have to file a claim [as the shipper] Than I'm back fighting with you!! and would tie your funds, and my unit up fo a couple more weeks. I droped it off to a Machine shop this afternoon, checked it and said it was off [at the top 1/16- 1/8 off ] they took off water pump, secured it down there, in some type machine and "popped" one time and called me and said it was back being true!! I picked it up and paid $25 and its good to go. I will relist it tomorrow. I will refund you $ tonight, if I can figure it out. Tried to find a "refund " site, can't find it. May have to go thru whole Ebay settlement thing . I think Ebay is waiting for a repy from you. Check it out. Gordon
Gordon M. Smarse


Can you believe this guy! Has the lower unit back my money and is going to relist it for sale. Neptune Marine / Gordon Smarse Ebay name 801beach. I will not say any thing else. Here is my response email to him " Gordon, That is the exact same packaging you sent the unit to me in. I cannot control what the shipper does. Now you suggest this is my fault? You have the returned lower unit and my $420. Just go to paypal and refund my $420 I payed you. We both know you have been through this many times. One payment $400 and one payment for $20. For God's sake will you just quit sending these silly emails and return my money! "

Did this just really happen!!!! WOW
 
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