2008 Evinrude E-TEC 55MFE Technical Manual, Page 262Get this manual
GEARCASE GEARCASE ASSEMBLY between the gauge bar and the bearing housing between each pair of screw holesReplace the bearing housing and repeat check if variance is greater than 0.004 in(0.010 mm)Check squareness of the pinion to the driveshaftHold the shim gauge bar against the bearing housing (between the screw holes) while rotating just the driveshaft and pinion assemblyMeasure clearance between the gauge bar and the pinion at several locationsIf variance is greater than 0.002 in(0.050 mm) replace the pinion or driveshaft, as necessary, and repeat checkSubtract the average clearance measurement from 0.020 in(0.508 mm) to determine the correct shim thickness requiredSelect the fewest number of shims to achieve the correct thicknessRemove the driveshaft from the tool and add the required shims between the bearing housing and the thrust washer
GEARCASE ASSEMBLY
Shift Housing, Gear, and Propeller Shaft Installation