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.dangarmarine.com/guide
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Dangar Marine is proudly sponsored by MarineEngine.com. MarineEngine.com supplies a wide variety of spare parts for many brands of outboard motors. If you are in the US, be sure to check out their online store www.marineengine.com/
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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!

[@iFixJunk]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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! :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@ametti000]

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

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, will do!

[@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.

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@MikeTLive]

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

[@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.

[@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! :)

[@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

[@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! :)

[@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. ;)

[@dougmatteo7359]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@medetdurak1183]

excellent video, thank you for showing us.

[@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.

[@andre003038]

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

[@DangarMarine]

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

[@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.

[@ArnieTX]

Great video ! You are the best on KZbin.

[@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

[@chrisheath623]

Very, very helpful. thanks so much!

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@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 !

[@robwooly]

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

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ScruffyOldJimbo]

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

[@patrickjames3994]

Great Video from a master technician.

[@tomgorden3762]

Thank you Dangar, VERY informative video!

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome. :)

[@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!

[@ronpowell2373]

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

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Ron!

[@brianvillalobos9269]

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

[@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

[@petermajewski8960]

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

[@DangarMarine]

My pleasure!

[@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.

[@WillsGarage91]

Nice work Stu! I somehow missed this one!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Will. :)

[@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. :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@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”❤

[@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

[@evanterrell834]

Very informative. Thanks

[@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?

[@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.

[@gustavorlore]

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

[@antoniekruger8631]

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

[@DangarMarine]

Glad you like them!

[@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?

[@lesroberts2244]

Thank you for your time.

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome. :)

[@mrtokyo1989]

Thank you so much for your videos!!! keep it up :D

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome, will do! :)

[@boom4538]

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

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it helped

[@TheJorge19765]

Really good video Sir. Thanks.

[@shanecorbeil2270]

Just what I was looking for thank you

[@DangarMarine]

Happy to help.

[@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. :)

[@martinkoche4375]

Very very helpful and informative great videos thank you sir

[@tollefverby7177]

Very useful , thank you. From Norway

[@DangarMarine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@denniswalker4887]

Enough info to help .cheers

[@carlosh.deseixas4850]

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

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Carlos, glad you enjoyed. :)

[@Gleb1986Kiev]

Thank you once again.

[@DangarMarine]

Welcome. :)

[@luiscova5409]

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

[@hashiramasenju4846]

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

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome. :)

[@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. :-)

[@kidcompany]

Love the vids. Super helpful.

[@erictorrey8038]

Thank you very helpful

[@alexmcgavin6494]

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

[@WVFG]

Another handy video Stu. I hit a submerged rock and jiggered up the gear box. Going to cost a poultice to repair. is it easy enough to replace all the parts again following reverse procedures. Mine is a Johnson 9.9

[@grjoeb6189]

Great video! Thanks

[@dogsevil8672]

Good video. Thanks for your video

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Flo.

[@joshking3295]

very useful man. cheers!

[@MrDavidelliottjr]

Thanks for the video

[@baddabinng]

great video Dangar Marine ! on my 30 hp Mercury when i remove the main driveshaft my bearing is the opposite way to the one in this video is that normal that some motors have the bearing the other way ? seems like it should go the way this motor was to hold the drive shaft in the right place

[@fred65condra]

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

[@TimberWolfechfi]

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

[@lefty940]

another great video thanks

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome. :)

[@hfhghhghghghhh4969]

said

[@gazzbossvandenbos4785]

Cheers great video mate very helpful 👍🍺

[@kenraulcharles7070]

Thanks much brother nuff love

[@MrCalifornia1234]

Very helpful.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. :)

[@mikekelisek3262]

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

[@DangarMarine]

LOL

[@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.

[@timdaff9843]

Hi Stu, would a 90hp 2 stroke yammy have the same configuration as this? I lost drive when cruising and keen to attempt to diagnose myself, this video has been super helpful, especially when you explain how the gearbox functions.

[@Logjam5]

Good vid.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate. :)

[@alansampson1447]

Hi Stu great videos as always.i just took lower unit off a force mercury 120hp to replace the impeller.when I turn drive shaft it feels like its snagging on a curtain point every rotation .not by much though .any clues on what could cause this and should I worry about it .cheers Stu alan

[@petersangmeister3397]

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

[@DangarMarine]

The beer is an important safety device. ;)

[@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?

[@jaylivernois9281]

First of all....Thanks for all the informative videos. You have been instrumental in my confidence to tackle the lower unit in my 1993 Merc 115. The piece that the pinion gear nut screws onto, fell out of the splined cavity that it resides in. The nut is still screwed onto the threaded piece with about a half inch of teeth. Have you seen this before? I assume I am going to have to remove the drive shaft and reinsert it or hopefully not have to replace the entire shaft.