Mercury Mariner 200, 225 Optimax Outboards Service Manual, 90-855348, Page 419Get this manual
2Inspect the bearing carrier for signs of excessive corrosion especially in the area where the bearing carrier touches the gear housingIf excessive corrosion is evident replace the carrier 4Inspect the forward gear for pitted, chipped, broken teeth, hairline fractures, and excessive or uneven wearReplace the forward gear and the pinion gear if any defects are found5Inspect the outer hub of the forward gear for excessive wear or damageReplace the forward and the pinion gear if either of these conditions exist6Inspect the clutch jaws of the gear for damageSurfaces must not be chipped or rounded offReplace the forward and the pinion gear if any are found50818
aBearing CarrierMating Surfaces
3The condition of the bearing surface on the propeller shaft in the area that the needle bearing (in the bearing carrier) rides is an indication of the condition of the needle bearing in the bearing carrierReplace the bearing if the surface of the shaft is pitted, grooved, scored, worn unevenly, discolored from overheating or has embedded metal particles