omc sterndrive coupler bushing play

[robert_kelly]

removed gimball bearing and inserted alignment tool into coupler . should there be any up down, sideways movement of the tool? used a 1/4 x 1 inch flat bar to see if internal splines or rubber bushing moved. The spline doesn't move in the bushing , but the bushing moves about 1/8 inch up down from the edge of the metal enclosure. There shouldn't be any bushing movement at all?
Conditional statement , if movement then needs new coupler?

 

[bondo]

Ayuh,..... Which OMC sterndrive,..??..??

 

[louc]

Must be a Cobra, I don’t think there should be any play up & down when the alignment tool is in the splines. That suggests that the rubber has deteriorated to the point when you need a new coupler.

 

[robert_kelly]

The sterndrive is a cobra . I will be able to see more of the coupler with the seal removed.
Should the bushing be tight like a prop bushing?

 

[louc]

Yep

 

[Droid]

Tight like a prop? Yes.
More visible? Not really.
If it's bad, engine needs to come out.