TOPIC: Bent Drive Shaft Will Straighten Itself w/ Use?

I've been told that if the drive shaft on an outboard is only slightly bent that it will straighten itself with use.

Yes? No? Any first hand experience with this?

I heard of those lower unit fairies that fix thing at nite but they only use metric tools

its difficult with a press even to get it true, Id look for another lower & use this one for parts

Lots of tall tales out there and that will not go away.----You will damage the bearings / splines with a bent driveshaft !!!!!!

And the government will stop stealing every other cent you make, too.

I'm very glad we never used that maintenance mentality when I was flying helos for the Marine Corps and Army. That type of advice can get someone seriously hurt when a part finally takes more vibration and abuse than the metal its made of can stand. Anything that spins must be all but perfect or excessive wear will result and ultimately catastrophic failure of the part and/or associated parts. That's when the s**t hits the fan and bad things happen that could have been prevented.

I am so glad you doubted the advice you were given and came to FG. There are so many terrific and very knowledgeable people on here who will give you the correct answers you need for free. I can't say enough about the courteousness and willingness of the members here to help somone.

Good luck with your motor. If nothing else, you got the advice you needed before someone got seriously hurt of your boat was seriously damaged.

Huh? Your future holds great promise of leaky seals, milky lower unit gear oil, bad vibes and the dreaded heebie jeebies. Take it to a machine shop or check out EBay for parts. What motor is it?

It's a 1966 Evinrude Starflite 100. The lower was kicked around by UPS on its way here.

The shaft is just under 1/16" out of straight at the top of the shaft.

Sorry, but It will not self-straighten. It will need to be removed and either repaired or replaced. The unit should be serviced with all new oil seals when this is done. The rear bearing should probably be replaced as well. Bummer.

The first post clearly says

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Driveshaft

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it sticks out much further than the propshaft and would be easily bent if not properly crated for shipping.

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The folks in the shipping business just don't know about fine machinery.

Wasn't there any insurance on the shipping/shipper? A few months ago I picked up a laptop on EBay, UPS smashed the box and the lid was broke off the computer. The UPS agent says it probably got caught in a conveyor system. If the motor wasn't packed right the same thing could happen, put in a damage claim and recoup some of your expense. UPS paid for a new unit.

I'm going to swap the driveshaft with the one I already have. The new/used one that I got was pressure tested and I didn't want to open it up if I didn't have to. But I kind of knew I had to anyway.

I kept the box and whatnot and I'll call UPS.

Anyone want to rent me a snap ring tool to open the gearcase?