F50A left/right play in drive shaft.

[simonlambard]

Hi All

New to the forum, I have a F50A and I seem to have a lot of left/right travel on the prop shaft, if I turn the shaft from left to right it makes a noise but all else seems OK, can anybody help with a diagnosis.

Thank you In advance

[robert graham]

Hi All

New to the forum, I have a F50A and I seem to have a lot of left/right travel on the prop shaft, if I turn the shaft from left to right it makes a noise but all else seems OK, can anybody help with a diagnosis.

Thank you In advance

Are you referring to clockwise/counterclockwise?.....if motor runs fine then maybe there's no problem?.....

[simonlambard]

Hi
Yes, clockwise and anticlockwise, it makes a bit of a noise, my other engines doesn't do this? And there was a little bit of metal on the drain plug. Worried about it getting worse....
Thanks

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Did you happen to hit / strike anything with the prop recently?

In either case, especially with metal in the oil, the back lash (play inbetween the gears) is minimal, usually less than .030" measured at the driveshaft. So, no, you shouldn't be able to feel the clunking when rotating the prop.

Sounds as if you have a bearing that failed inside the lower unit.

I would not run that engine until you get it checked as you'll only do further damage..