Mercury Mariner V-250 V-275 Outboard Service Shop Manual 1990, Page 238Get this manual
Propeller Shaft CLEANING AND INSPECTION 1Clean propeller shaft assembly with solvent and dry
DISASSEMBLY 12Remove shift cam from cam followerInsert thin blade screwdriver or awl under first coil of cross pin retainer spring and rotate propeller shaft to unwind spring !rom sliding clutch DO NOT overstretch spring
with compressed air2Inspect bearing carrier oil seal surfaces for grooves
Run fingernail across seat surface to check for grooveReplace shaft if groove is found3Visually check bearing surfaces of propeller shaft for
pittinggrooves, scoring, uneven wear ordiscoloration (bluish color) from overheatingReplace shaft and corresponding needle bearing if any of the above conditions are found (Bearing carrier needle bearing contacts propeller shaft in front of sliding clutch splines
4Inspect propeller shaft splines for wear andlor corro-
sion damage5Check propeller shaft for straightnessUse either method, following: