Sportmaster Question

[Tony Montana]

I have a sportmaster. I noticed that there seems to be some play from front to back on the prop shaft. Is this normal? It is only about 1/4 inch, but I dont recall seeing it before and it clunks a little when I start it in reverse. Oh yeah, I always start in gear if that makes a difference, and it is a small shaft.

Am I headed for trouble?:confused: :confused: :confused:

[1BadAction]

1/4" seems a little excessive :eek: mine moves .030" or so and has since new... it is a fatshaft so the end-play specs might be a little different.

[johnt]

1Bad, 1/4"=.250, that's less than .30..?, just asking..

[RBT]

.25 is a 1/4, 30 thou is .003......... big diff.
1/4 is wrong. Something is up. and there is no differnce between an small and a fatshaft from the carrier back.

RT

[Tony Montana]

thank you for your replies, I was hoping it was just something I did not notice before, but I guess I should get it fixed before it gets worse. Thanks for the advice.

[1BadAction]

.030" typo :p

[RBT]

me too....... haha. not 003, but 030.

[johnt]

thanks 1Bad for the correction, had me scratching my head and reaching for my calculator..

[M.CHAPMAN]

The thrust washer that sits between the reverse gear and the propshaft could be missing. The washer slides on the propshaft and then the reverse gear and carrier goes into the case. If the washer is missing the propshaft will have as much as 1/4" endplay. You may want to remove the carrier and inspect to make sure it's there or not.

[The Big Al]

Check the spanner nut that holds the carrier in the housing.
this could be backing off. Or moved back. Even if the lock tab is still in place the threads will get weak and the carrier will move back.