Johnson 175 hp gear box

[Skip R]

I replace the water pump in my 175hp 1996 Johnson outboard a while back and while work on the gear box after puting it all back together took a hold of the prop and lifted it up and I noticed that I could move it a slight amount up and down, not a lot but a little and it got me to thinking ( which is a little scary) , is this normal. In the back of my mind I am thinking that I shouldn't have any play back there but I just dont know for sure. Never have had any water in the gear box buy the way.

 

[joereeves]

If you're actually saying that the propshaft could be moved up and down (not in and out), that would indicate a bit of play (wear) in a bearing. A few thousands of a inch probably wouldn't matter but if it got to a point where the movement would approach say 1/16".... that would make me a little nervous. Keep your eye on the gearlube and should you start to encounter a water in the oil problem, at least you'll have a pretty good idea where to start.