Early Spring loaded drive shaft on 2.4 merc 200hp Lower unit

[86vintage]

Hi I wanted to use an early style 2.4 ltr (spring loaded drive shaft) LOWER UNIT with later 2.5 ltr Powerhead.. Should I cut off the spring loaded pin - I once heard the early engines used to need the spring for Crankshaft end play - but the newer 2.5 ltr power head/crank do not need the spring because they installed thrust bearings and shims. What should I do.
Thanks
Jim

[Dave S]

Don't cut it.... the pin is there to keep the gears meshed at slow speeds........the case will work under a 2.5...... but they are weak...... smaller pinion bearing........and shaft......

[tlwjkw]

it "loads" tha top bearing at all rpm.. only thing that keeps tha bearin' in place... has nothing ta do with crankshaft "end play" .. without it ya won't get very far from tha ramp..

[86vintage]

it "loads" tha top bearing at all rpm.. only thing that keeps tha bearin' in place... has nothing ta do with crankshaft "end play" .. without it ya won't get very far from tha ramp..

Ok so the Spring preload is for the lower end preload - and not the Powerhead - thank you - I got it Bass ackward !!.
I have replaced a few lower units and always hated over coming that spring when trying to install the older lower unit by hand and back power!! -

[tlwjkw]

yeah.. tha spring "pre load" was used ta keep bearing in place (bearing race is below bearing) before they changed to a "nut" on top of tha bearing (bearing race is on top of bearing..........