Mercury Mariner 200, 225 Optimax Outboards Service Manual, 90-855348, Page 349Get this manual
Pre-Disassembly Inspection Propeller Shaft
INSPECTION
Gear Housing and Component Disassembly
Water Pump Assembly
REMOVAL
1Inspect the propeller shaft for side to side movement, as follows: aPosition the dial indicator on the propeller shaftbPush the propeller shaft to one side and zero the dial indicatorcMove the propeller shaft to the opposite side while observing the dial indicatorWithout rotating the propeller shaft, reposition the dial indicator and check the up and down deflectionA shaft deflection of more than 0.003 in(0.08 mm) indicates worn propeller shaft bearing
1Remove the water seal, water tube coupling assembly, and the water pump screws
2Check for bent propeller shaft as follows: aRotate the propeller shaft while observing the dial indicatorIf the deflection is more than 0.010 in(0.254 mm), bent propeller shaft is indicated3Measure propeller shaft end playIf it is in excess of 0.045 in(1.143mm), disassemble gear case and check condition of the reverse shoulder of the propeller shaft, reverse gear and thrust washerReplace components as requiredaWater Tube AssemblyWater Pump Screws (4)Seal