feto 200 saltwater drive shaft bushing seized-up

[captainstogie]

My mechanic dropped the lower unit, removed the drive shaft,removed and discarded the seized-up bushing, then re-assembled the engine. Before, it would not turn-over; now it works fine. He says the bushing is not neccesary; is this correct? It seems to be running fine now! (I am located in Belize, where parts are not readily available). Thanks for reading, and responding to my query.

[boscoe99]

One would think that it was used for a purpose. What that purpose is I cannot say.

I have heard of either the bushing being removed altogether, or it being reamed to a larger diameter, to stop the bushing chirping noise that is mostly prevalent in four stroke motors. Apparently many motors work just fine without it.

[captainstogie]

Thanks for the input!

I plan to run it w/o the bushing, until I return to Palm Beach this May, then buy the new bushing, and install it when I return to Belize next November. Here's hoping it lasts that long! Once again, thank you for the advice.

[99yam40]

I believe I have read the bushing is on the long or ultra long shaft motors to help control the flexing of the shaft.
I am sure if would put strains on bottom of power head and top of lower unit when really putting it under load.
So try to not push it too hard

[rodbolt17]

you think that bushing is hard to get in belize, try a gear case.
I understand 3rd world work AND workmanship.
I used to do a lot of work at eximpote marine in Rio Chico VE.
look on your mechanics wall, you should see at least 6 certificates of training from Yamaha.
the 7th would be the master tech certificate.