Why does my drive shaft look like crap?

[ssv1761982]

My older motors are rust free. This is a new to me sportmaster lower from a 280. Will the rust and corrosion get to the seal eventually? I had to wiggle the impeller to get it over the rust.

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx144/ssv1761982/For%20to%20sell/1997Allison2003225X064.jpg

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx144/ssv1761982/For%20to%20sell/1997Allison2003225X062.jpg

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx144/ssv1761982/For%20to%20sell/1997Allison2003225X065.jpg

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx144/ssv1761982/For%20to%20sell/1997Allison2003225X061.jpg

[johnboy 88 vegas]

Might wanna pull the lower water pump housing and brush it off with some fine emory cloth. Mines been in salt water for 10 years with no rust on the drive shaft but the carb motor keeps a good coating of exaust soot on the shaft.

[JR IN JAX]

I have been through two sporty drive shafts due to corrosion uner the seal lip. I think I will just try a Speedi-sleeve around it next time.

[ChrisCarsonMarine]

SSV,the answer to your question is...the shaft is a hardened steel shaft,not a stainless steel shaft like your others.Stronger,but prone to rust,they are best suited to freshwater use and require extra care if run in salt.Eventually the seal surfaces will go,a speedy sleeve is an inexpensive semi-fix,temporary because the rust will probably swell the sleeve eventually.Your prop shaft is doing the same thing,unless someone changed it for stainless,i think,chris

[ssv1761982]

I thought the prop shaft looked 'different'. It is in a lot better shape but has been cleaned up some. It will be in fresh water from now on so maybe the corrosion will slow down.

[mach351]

I've been through a sporty driveshaft also, but replaced it with a stainless shaft. Those steel shafts are stronger, but they are pricey. And they DO NOT like salt!

[Forkin' Crazy]

I'd recommend pulling it out and check the sealing surfaces. I had to replace mine because it was corroded at the seal. There is a place in Houston that sprays some sort of metal on it, then turns it back down. Do a search on here. I can't think of the name of the place, but it is mentioned in another sporty driveshaft corrosion thread.

[Tomanytoys]

Had the driveshaft on my 300pm spray welded 3 years ago after the water pump kept pressureizeing the gearcase. I was warned about the Speedy Sleeve swelling over time, as mentioned, due to reoccurance of corrosion. I've had no issues with the spray welding (fresh water).
Just my $.02.

[nelson edens]

The guy that does the 'spray weld' is Robert Saunders. His email address is [email protected].

I just had one done. He charges $150 for repairing the seal area only. $200 if you want the whole area fixed.

You have to send the bare driveshaft only. Looks great and he guarantees it. Turnaround one day.

Nelson