Merc Drive Shat - Weld??

[Moodgam]

I've got a 3.0 Merc and the 2 piece drive drive shaft sheared off just below the coupler. I'm being told that I can have it welded and blued and it'll be stronger than a new shaft. I'm not so confident and need some input.

[Ted Stryker]

I've ran a 2-piece shaft before and it held fine on a very light boat, but I don't think that a welded peice is stronger than an original... Do you know why it sheared..? Have you weighed the cost of a repaired shaft vs. a new or un-repaired used shaft..?

[time warp]

If you do need to get a new lower shaft, don't buy the 2 piece one, they are around 3 times as much as the one piece shafts, save the money and get a better shaft.

Caleb

[Moodgam]

I checked the Merc web site and you're dead on the money. Thanks for the heads up.

BTW - do these Mercs routinely shear shafts or is it because of the two piece shaft design?

[time warp]

I've never sheared a shaft right below the coupler, have sheared a couple right under the waterpump. I know the seal under the water pump is supposed to last much longer with the one piece shaft than with the two piece.