Continued from a previous forum
http://boatmad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5017

Will post all updates to the project on this board from now on

I have been a little unhappy with the gearbox for the last few weeks & dropped it off this afternoon.

Think it will be needing some TLC so arrange that for next week. A little dissapointed to find the classic Sportmaster crack in the top of the case, see what can be done on that.
I'm still on the look out for a spare box what I want is a
Sportmaster 20" -Fat shaft RH on a 2:1 Ratio if you have one to unload call me or send a PM

What is the classic sporty crack? I've never heard of that before...

James

See John's Avtar

I think its common to most gearcases that merc produce, I havent taken a pic but it runs across the top of the case where the side anode installs above the anti-cavitation plate, just about where you get the two mounting studs. Lucky this stopped before it got to big and it's in an easy weld point so I might be OK........ Famous last words

LMAO

Gearbox is still away being repaired no new updates really, 2:1 20" dont seem to exist so that might mean a special build either a 2:1 and fit a 20" shaft or a 20" shaft & fit with 2:1 Gears

Still wating on the Gearbox. Had a good poke about & check today. Both the Stainless Marine Made to Measure trim & lift cables are on the last legs about 2 strands left on each. Not to impressed guess they arn't that Stainless. As they are run deep through the hull I'm going to have to come up with a way to just replace the inner cable keeping the outer installed. So not much boating for a few weeks now Grrrrrrrrr

Well I was planning to make up some inner cables for the Trim & the Lifter indicators. Cable I can use a 1.5mm stainless which is no problem. end fitting 10/32 I was going to reuse but braze or soft solder once drilled out. The control head end I was going to use a Ball nipple with a soft solder birdcage on the end so what do you do.
You google for something with Stainless, Nipple, Ball, Retainer in the search field

what do you get

www.steelpleasures.co.uk

I really do fancy working with a Teardrop Urethra Plug ...........................Not

Hopefully I have turned the corner on the Gearbox Blues at last, 3 shafts are on route back to chez fin - 2 from the states & one from the reconditioning

Pic shows the mankey 20" with the water pump corrosion damage




A close up




If you ever needed an example of why you should drop the gearbox lift off the water pump & grease the shaft up - this is it.

The recon shaft should be back with me tomorrow see how it worked out, if it's good I post all the info so you can avoid the heartache.
Basically the damaged areas have been faced off, then sprial welded, then ground back to orig size, recon are very happy with the result. post some pics of the finished shaft when it's back.

Can now at least progress one box to completion