Removing an outboard driveshaft

In this video I remove the driveshaft from an outboard motor - a Yamaha 40HP to be exact. This involves removing the pinion gear and gives access to the forward gear and the bearings behind it. The driveshaft bearings can also be replaced once it has been removed.
For outboard repair information, checkout my website: outboard.danga...
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[@stevecrop6264]

I learnt a good trick today to undo the pinion nut without the spline nut tool. Put the lower unit back onto the motor and use the flywheel to undo. Worked a treat. The factory already gave you the tool built in 👍🏻.

[@DangarMarine]

Great tip!

[@swampyfox8688]

A million thank you's to Dangar!!! No mechanic will touch my well maintained 120hp 1996 Force. Of all the tutorials I've watched on YouBoob, Dangar's have been THE best. I've gone from being mechanically inclined but clueless about how to diagnose & fix my outboard, to quite proficient. I bet I've saved over $1000 (US) on labor costs thanks to Dangar. Once I'm done dumping money that I don't really have into fixing my outboard, I'll be buying a Dangar shirt to help keep the channel going. Hopefully everyone else who feels the same as me will follow my lead! Thanks Dangar!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, glad the vids have helped you with your outboard. Be sure to send me a photo when you get your shirt!

[@robertswan3360]

Thanks for your help I could not have fixed my Yamaha lower leg with out your videos .thanks bob.

[@DangarMarine]

Glad to help!

[@formerblueberet5621]

I have worked as a machinerytechnician for 47 years and my Merc o/b had a little mishap ..prop, bent prop shaft etc, your video was very well done Mercury is built the same way so it gave me a good idea how to take the prop shaft out, Thank you for a good video,, no worries mate ! All the Best to you from Canada !

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, good luck with the repair! :)

[@iFixJunk]

DEFINITELY useful! I am working on one of these for the first time and your videos on the subject are my service manual!

[@DavidJohnson-yd2jw]

Glad I watched all the way through. Got my foot apart all except the forward gear and bearing now I know-how. Just need to watch more on replacing bearing on foward gear bearing and race.

[@hardset-vi3ze]

I see a lot of BS on KZbin that makes me leave negative comments. However, after seeing 7 or 8 of your vids, i can say, you're spot on mate. Great, easy to understand instructions and fantastic close ups of the intricate workings and parts of these maintenance issues with outboard motors. I can't really say anything negative whatsoever....nice work. Please keep it up !!!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Jack, glad you like the vids. :)

[@drchill23]

Thank you! Working on my 2007 F50 Yamaha now due to milky oil in the lower unit. Found that the upper drive shaft seals have failed. I have more confidence with the repair after watching your videos. Thanks again!

[@ginso1]

Thank you for showing the inside I have removed the shift shaft acidentaly and now I know that I have to remove the gearbox and the foward gear to put it again, thanks I love your videos

[@DangarMarine]

You are welcome!

[@graemewalker8068]

Just about to replace the shift cam on my 85aet Stu so your videos (yet again) have been a god send. Thanks a million from Scotland.

[@johnhewetson4406]

A picture is worth a thousand words! This video is a million! This is incredibly helpful. Thanks so much.

[@jerryfrawley6980]

I Concer, very helpful wish I had that trick tool now, for the driveshaft nut but I got a idea ,make two small wooden wedges. Opist

[@2guysfromPA]

I dont have a Yamaha but i have a US marine force and this video was helpful in figuring out how to remove the driveshaft. Thank you so much for making this video!

[@jimbooth2010]

Very good video. Always wondered how those gear boxes come apart. I use to rebuild the old kind that the skeg was screwed on.. seems it was much easier back then.

[@braidysmith2254]

Mate where can I send you a six pack of beers? Legit helped me fix my gear select issue within about five minutes. Absolute legend

[@DangarMarine]

Glad to hear the video helped mate. There is a PayPal link on the channel page. :)

[@phillipmathis8852]

Hello, you commented during the video that you were not sure if the driveshaft removal was really useful! During my attempt to chase down an oil leak in the prop shaft area I ventured into the gear case to examine its condition. My outboard is a Mercury 650 vintage 1965-1968 65 hp. motor. I'm not a mechanic by trade (mostly a plumber) but after watching several of your videos on Utube I thought I think I can do this!. The driveshaft video was particularly helpful, except my driveshaft was really not coming out and the pinion would not drop off easily. I used a 5/16 carriage bolt with the head cut off and split about in half then threaded each half into a coupling with the top bolt locked in by a nut. As I turned the coupling, it pushed up on the drive shaft (after removing the pinon nut) and after some wrenching the driveshaft and top bearing finally came out. The main reason for wanting the driveshaft ,pinion, and forward gear out was to retrieve the cam shift selector that fell into the gear case after the selector rod was accidentally lifted up while replacing the rod seal. There was a sinking feeling when the cam fell into the case and now I had to go after it, but your video was a lifesaver and gave me confidence to try and retrieve it. One thing I would like to ask you is what position should the cam be in when I replace the components? The dog clutch is in the forward gear position so the selector pin in its furthest point. Thank's much! I'll keep watching!!!

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Phillip, very ingenious work in getting your driveshaft out. I'm not too sure what position that cam goes in on your motor, but generally if the motor is in forward gear the cam will be on it's thinnest section allowing the dog clutch to move forward towards that gear. Rotating or pushing to the thicker part will then push backwards to select neutral and reverse, at least on the outboards I am more familiar with.

[@anttiroppola4414]

Perfect Stu. That gearbox had a rello of mine stumped and we had it apart in minutes after watching your vid.

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it helped!

[@alangrant5278]

Nice one Stu I just did the seals on my Johnson 90. I used a pitman arm puller I had for lifting my Jeep and some wire to pull the bearing carrier. Was worth a crack and it worked !

[@arubanjames]

Not everybody that watches all videos need to know something specific, sometimes people watch to just have a little adventure in mechanics, and hear you say “ah-lou-mineim”❤

[@alexharmon9775]

Hello there my new friend! I needed to see this disassembled. I was out last weekend and lost my reverse while trailering. (glad it happened at end of weekend) this video helped me make a decision to just get another lower end. I don't have all the tools necessary to get to that last part, the special finger tools I got, but the gear cam to push into reverse is completely free and spins. anyhow, thanks for giving me an eye full. Peace. Alex

[@MikeTLive]

great video explaining the magic inside the gearbox, really helpful revealing the actual workings

[@patrickreimal2785]

i must congratulate you on your ability to show anybody as ignorant as i am(about outboard boat motors) and help me to somewhat understand how to work on these engines with some success, not only do you make it interesting but actually make me believe that i can possibly be somewhat successful in my endeavor to repair or replace something on an outboard or to go a little further afield, to repair, replace or install different items not only on the motor but the boat itself. Soanyway thank you for sharing this knowledge which is invaluable to myself and i'm sure many others like me that enjoy tinkering but with a goal in sight. I try to contribute $,s when possible and encourage others to do the same if for no other reason, to help with the expense of materials. so thank you very much, it is very much appreciated. Pat(rick) Reimal (usa)

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Pat, I'm glad the video have been helping to build your confidence and I really appreciate your support. Safe boating, Stu.

[@octaviachabu9448]

patrick Reimal

[@wayneormrod2797]

Very helpful. Changing an 8hp Yamaha from long to short shaft. Wanted to keep the long shaft gearbox. Thanks.

[@melstewart3310]

First rate, again. Your videos remind me of the mechanic who got me started, he didn't teach so much as just talked to himself while solving problems. As a cruiser, I am used to using whatever is at hand like screwdriver drifts. . Funny how something like a stuck woodruf key, can make a half hour job a half day job. Thanks.

[@milesaltman8054]

Another gratefull DIY Yamaha owner. You vids have been immensely helpful. If you're ever in South Carolina, first round's on me.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Miles! :)

[@jimhilliker7641]

Excellent video Stu. I have a 2001 Mercury 50 hp 4S that's getting a 5" extension kit and I'll need to replace the driveshaft. The Mercury is very similar to the Yamaha. Thanks to the Yamaha - Mercury collaboration.

[@fred65condra]

Working on a 115 evinrude for first time ever in one other than water pump replacement. Your video very similar and helpful

[@patrickjames3994]

Great Video from a master technician.

[@jimbogasoline2042]

Got my Dangar shirt in Stu! Was really cool that it came even cheaper than listed with the US to Aus dollar ratio. Another great video!!!

[@DangarMarine]

Cheer Jimbo. Yes, I should mention that the prices are in Australian dollar so people don't think they are more expensive than they really are.

[@TheRodbond]

Have to say I agree with most of the guys on here......your videos are really informative !! As a retired Elevator mechanic I'm pretty good with all things electro/mechanical and can diagnose most all.......but your vids really help with the little tricks you almost only learn through experience.......thanks so much, as I'm spending much more time on the water these days and enjoy keeping my Honda 130 and boat running top notch.....OH......, I found my dive card also......from 10th grade in high school.....1970......an old NASDS card......which is now PADI......lol......got back to diving for lobster in the Keys !!!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Rob, enjoy your time on the water and grab a nice lobster for me! :)

[@StuHenuset]

That was very informative, thankyou! Was trying to find out how to remove the drive shaft on my Yamaha F60. I somehow managed to completely shear all the teeth off the pinion gear. So far it doesn't look like there is any other damage but a lot of metal debris in the gear box. Hoping I can rebuild it with just a few new parts. Assuming I should inspect and clean all the bearings and flush out the gear box well. Thanks again!

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome!

[@Kiekhaefer6]

Thanks for the video. It was very exactly what I was looking for. I am taking apart my lower unit on my '61 Merc 700 Full Gear Shift. It's almost exactly the same. Only difference that I saw was that under the water pump, my bearing is a ball bearing type and of course the gear housing cover which is the ring type as opposed to the 2 bolt type you have there. Everything else is pretty much the same exact thing.

[@markolav7017]

Nice one Stu..and good to see you had the Coops on hand for any flare-ups with the LPG torch. I do the same...

[@DangarMarine]

Better to be safe than sorry. ;)

[@gustavorlore]

Thank you! Really educational needed to see hands on dissambly on how to in case these boat motor trany starts doing something weird.

[@brucecliffe6213]

Hi Stu, especially like the scenes around Dangar, Had an uncle and aunt living on Dangar many years ago. Spent a bit of time on the island myself a long time ago. Thanks for the videos, very informative. Bruce. Kempsey NSW

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Bruce. Hopefully will be filming a lot more on-water stuff over the Christmas break.

[@Fireship1]

Great video Stu. It's good to know how to tear one of these down in case of bad seals or a bent propshaft. It doesn't seem too bad. I also like that vise grip slide hammer setup. I'm learning lots of great tips from you to help me maintain my Yamaha TXRS 150!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, glad you got something out of this one.

[@ingoeichner1610]

Fireship1 Please help. Once installed and all back together how much axial movement or axial float should there be on the propeller drive shaft

[@bibinasilasila2852]

Hi DangarStu been good watching all yr clip on KZbin help me a lot fixing my Yamaha 225hp 2stroke 1998. Can u help me get 1 dog clutch kit oh how much does it cost. Thanks.

[@ronpowell2373]

Nice, once again a no BS explanation of the workings.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Ron!

[@robwooly]

Sincere Thanks, extremely helpful, great teacher on layman's terms. Good Kudos to you.

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@timboh.533]

You are the man!!! Thanks so much for doing these videos, so helpful for a wannabe mechanic with an old motor to work on.

[@ArnieTX]

Great video ! You are the best on KZbin.

[@mikeisanisland]

very useful to change the driveshaft from 20 inch to 25 inch with an extension kit. Thanks so much

[@mikeisanisland]

AND, i learned more in your 15:33 minute video about outboards, than the 6 month course i took in college.

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, I should do a video on making that change one day.

[@DangarMarine]

Glad the videos are helping you. :)

[@dougmatteo7359]

Thank You Very much I just damaged my lower end on the ever changing California Delta waterway.

[@PonderousSage]

Thanks for the video! I just got a bass boat for free that is in terrible shape, including the motors entire bottom end off the motor. Basically everything you showed in the video is in pieces in the bottom of the rod locker. I’m not a mechanic and don’t know if I even have all the parts. I’ll be watching more of your videos to see if I can figure it out and what I need

[@denissvilicic7378]

Great show Stu, very informative and topics are explained well. I have only recently purchased a boat with a 2 stroke outboard and your shows have given me the confidence to have a crack at servicing and diagnosing some issues myself. I'm looking at adding some lighting and a electric winch but am waiting for you demos before I begin the modifications. Keep them coming, Cheers Denis

[@DangarMarine]

Hey Denis, great to hear the channel has been helping you with your new boat. Enjoy your time on the water!

[@vijaiankumar2085]

Love the job you do explaining in detail how to fix your own problem thank you

[@vijaiankumar2085]

Can I change a long drive shaft and the gear selector from a Yamaha 25 hp eshw lower unit to a shorter drive shaft and gear selector. I will really appreciate your input thank you

[@user-id2fh2hb5q]

thank you master really the first time i visit you i get more educated thank you thank you thank you

[@DangarMarine]

You are most welcome! :)

[@chriscooper4977]

hello I have a eska two cycle five horse air cooled can I heat the lower unit up to get the bolts out of it to?

[@ScruffyOldJimbo]

Really useful video thanks Stu. Helped me for stripping down my Honda BF90 which has just started getting gear selection problems sadly.

[@theswayze1303]

Another awesome vid mate. I recently drained my gear oil as part of servicing my df50a and it was milky! Couldn’t believe it. Short story is the shop pressure tested it and fitted new oils seals to the prop shaft. I should of done it myself! Keep up the great work. Richy NZ

[@handyman75657]

You can remove that shaft without fighting with the pump keyway right away. I use the key for a stop with a 15 inch adjustable spanner wrench instead of vise grip pliers. After you get the nut off then you can pull everything out and put in a vise for further work such as removing that stuck key and usually a sharp chisel works very well removing the key.

[@ametti000]

Thanks Stu, these videos are always useful even if it's plainly normal for you. keep it up.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, will do!

[@jpl3622]

Love the beer drinking while dealing with the woodruff key from hell! If I ever get there, I will bring you a couple of Reposado tequilas as backup. Bearing carrier work begins at 5:40 Thanks Stu!

[@Roger-rm3fz]

Thanks. Your videos are absolutely great! I'm currently taking apart my own Yamaha 30 hp outboard as it won't go in reverse and I suspect the reverse gear to be in bad shape so this video was really helpful. It would be great with a follow up video showing how to reassemble the lower unit and setting the gear play.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Roger. If it is reverse you won't need to remove the drive shaft. Here is a video on that problem. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGXElIaclKeahpY I do definitely need to do a follow-up video on the reassembly side though.

[@brianvillalobos9269]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! This helped me so much!!!

[@denniswalker4887]

Enough info to help .cheers

[@andre003038]

Thank you love your video from Cardinal Ontario Canada on the St Lawrence River.

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome, glad you've been enjoying. :)

[@petert6103]

Hi Stu your video left of at the point that I am up to with my Yamaha 90, so I am looking forward to the next video. I need to add an extra shim behind the forward gear because according to the manual, the drive shaft backlash is out of spec according to my measurements, but I didn't use the correct yamaha tool that clamps to the shaft. Also the dog clutch is in a bad way on the reverse side so will change that at the same time. I appreciate the videos - this has been the most relevant for me thanks.

[@DangarMarine]

Hi Pete. I would really like to do a video on shimming, but I'd also like to find a way that avoids using custom tools that people won't own. Hopefully I can get it filmed soon.

[@KarlH1980]

Working on a unit with a lot of rust and corrision. Vice grips didn't work. I used a standard pipe wrench and viola. 20 seconds later the nut was off. Then to deal with the shaft being rusted into place. :-)

[@adrianschamberger6679]

Buddy….you are the best. If you ever find yourself in the beautiful Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada, you will never have to pay for a beer or a feed. And where do I get the t-shirt?

[@henrychinaski5223]

Excellent videos! I've watched several of yours lately because my son and I have acquired a 'new to us' Palm Beach with a 70 hp '04 Yamaha. We have the lower unit off now and are waiting on new seals. I had to comment on this video because we had your Woodruff key's other brother from hell. I ended up drilling three small holes and turned a small propane bottle upside down to let liquid propane super chill the key. It tapped right out after the propane bath. Wasn't sure I could apply heat to the shaft.

[@vulcan7778]

Great video, just wanted to see you remove those bearing races on the forward gear and the engine drive shaft. That is the part that I'm having problems with.

[@shanecorbeil2270]

Just what I was looking for thank you

[@DangarMarine]

Happy to help.

[@sheriffjim2]

Thanks for the videos it has help me get the boat back in the water after discovering 20 odd electrolysis holes in the hull. Merry Xmas to you and yours.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. I'm very familiar with fighting the old electrolysis holes! You have a merry Christmas too. :)

[@luiscova5409]

No hablo ingles pero me gustan sus videos gracias desde guaymas sonora mexico

[@lesroberts2244]

Thank you for your time.

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome. :)

[@tollefverby7177]

Very useful , thank you. From Norway

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@durangodave]

thanks this is my first time and it did help. but i do wish you could have covered how to remove a driveshaft bearing. 😀

[@petermajewski8960]

thank you appreciate the effort you put in making these vids. Very helpful info

[@DangarMarine]

My pleasure!

[@boom4538]

Hi just want to say I really appreciate your help this video was excellent

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it helped

[@martinkoche4375]

Very very helpful and informative great videos thank you sir

[@alexmcgavin6494]

Thanks for the this video it was the bit I was stuck on thank you so much

[@tomgorden3762]

Thank you Dangar, VERY informative video!

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome. :)

[@mikekelisek3262]

I use hate power all the time when things get stuck. Oh, heat power. Got it!

[@DangarMarine]

LOL

[@chrisheath623]

Very, very helpful. thanks so much!

[@DavidGeorge-wp1kz]

As always very good information

[@antoniekruger8631]

Yip, thanks. That was a great video - love all your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@DangarMarine]

Glad you like them!

[@hashiramasenju4846]

Excellent! Just seeing it taken apart and the how's and why's is everything! Thanks!

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome. :)

[@TheJorge19765]

Really good video Sir. Thanks.

[@TimberWolfechfi]

I VERY much needed this video! thanks! lmao at the padi card! all good stuff, much appreciated.

[@waynepeneux3008]

Thanks for shearing this i would like to see how to fix the new gears in a 15hp yamaha foot

[@WillsGarage91]

Nice work Stu! I somehow missed this one!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Will. :)

[@johnfarney5328]

Please don't think anything your showing is" irrelevant really", I've learned alot about why things are the way they are. It is easier to work on them if you know how it works. Thank You!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks John! :)

[@deanfulford69]

Nice work as always stu

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Dean! :)

[@truckerx100]

Hey, great video! Have a 6 hp commercial Johnson motor, my first outboard- knew the water pump impeller had to be changed- watched a video some where else- they emphasized not letting the lower unit crash down when you loosen all the bolts- mine wouldn’t drop! Tapped it down gently but firmly until the leg came off the driveshaft while it remained in the power- head-👻 Oh well- I realised immediatley after by pulling the rope a tiny fraction the shaft fell easily to the grass- slid the shaft ito its home in the leg -spun the shaft and the prop spun fine- assembled the new water pump impeller and ran the boat- works great!- but some times the shaft jumps out of gear and motor revs real high? im still confused how thats possible?

[@user-fh5zh7yv1b]

Thanks your video helped alot

[@medetdurak1183]

excellent video, thank you for showing us.

[@kenraulcharles7070]

Thanks much brother nuff love

[@1luxuryliner440]

The Yamaha finger lol I like that

[@1luxuryliner440]

Thanks man best teacher

[@DangarMarine]

Glad you think so!

[@1luxuryliner440]

@@DangarMarine people in the group always say here look at this video he is good and I pull it up its you so there ya go ok well I know your a bizy man waiting on my shirt I ordered it's on its way I see and have good day mate cheers

[@WVFG]

Another handy video Stu. I hit a reef with my leg and shattered the whole gear pinions, gunna cost a poultice to repair, is it just as easy to put back together again. Johnson 9.9 '77 seagull.🚣

[@Grahammilsome]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Grahammilsome]

@@DangarMarine Is it possible to remove the shift shaft without stripping the lower unit on a 2006 Mariner 50Hp triple? SN is OP409797. Looks like it will come out when top seal is removed. Hope you don't mind me asking.

[@Grahammilsome]

For anyone else with the same question, yes it is.

[@dogsevil8672]

Good video. Thanks for your video

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Flo.

[@grjoeb6189]

Great video! Thanks

[@carlosh.deseixas4850]

great vídeo... so thanks. brazil. Ponta Grossa city.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Carlos, glad you enjoyed. :)

[@spencerjohnson72]

Have you made the bearing replacement video yet? I did not see it in your video list but you do have a lot to sort through. Thanks for making these! Definitely helped me to inspect the bearings on my main driveshaft. The upper bearing beneath the water pump locked up and tore up the shims, or vice versa. The bearing race came easily out of the housing with the bearing (and is stuck to the bearing), but the housing looks good. Not sure where to go from here now.

[@DangarMarine]

Hi Spencer, I don't have a video on that yet but hoping to do one soon. The tricky bit with replacing these driveshaft bearings is making sure it is shimmed correctly so the pinion gear meshes correctly with the forward and reverse gears.

[@spencerjohnson72]

Swing on up to Duluth, MN and host a lesson

[@MrDavidelliottjr]

Thanks for the video

[@petersangmeister3397]

I love it. Holding a open flame and drinking a beer!

[@DangarMarine]

The beer is an important safety device. ;)

[@francisjoseph2404]

Great! Still working on getting water at tell tale though, I've change impeller rubber, gear is engaging, tube is connecting on impeller housing , no blockage from housing to tell tale! But still no water coming up!!!

[@DangarMarine]

Take a look at my testing a water pump video.

[@user-kc6ty1lp1y]

I have a 89' johnson 75hp the prop shaft that will not come out! Have the drive shaft and pinion gear out as well as shift rod after putting it in reverse. Everything is off and is loose just work come out with the forward gear

[@Budyish]

thanks

[@joshking3295]

very useful man. cheers!

[@kidcompany]

Love the vids. Super helpful.

[@kimseymour8896]

Thanks that was helpful

[@DangarMarine]

Glad to hear!