L/U?-00' ficht 175

ran into a few probs last year with rpm's bottoming out, and hasn't been on the water since. i did the compression check and its 90 on all 6, a decarb, xd oil etc.. i gave the toon a bath today, was gonna taker her out tomorrow to see how she ran, wondering maybe it just a fluke or something. i cleaned up the prop shaft and housing a bit, and was going to apply new grease, and noticed it took quite a bit to spin it. she used to just spin quite easily, but not now. the l/u fluid was clean with no metal when i changed it out last year. i already changed it again for giggles. also, the prop shaft has a bit of play. i can take it and pull on it and you can feel it move a bit. nothing lateral, but it does pull out a touch. i know i should take it to my mech, but he just upped his rates to $84 ph. i found that out today, and i'm lucky that i can afford the gas just to bring it to him. i can't help but think that this has something to do with the problems that arose last year. so, i am open to ideas as to where to look, should i ignore it and hope it goes away, say the hell with and find a rock pile?

You will have some "end play " in the gear case. The prop shaft has to move to allow for expansion and load. If the lube is clean and the shaft is spinning, but slowly is usually a sign of the seals contracting around the shaft. If you run it, take it easy on the first trip, when you pull it out of the water, spin the shaft and see if it's spinning easier than before. If it is, it should be o.k.. If it is not, get it checked. I would recommend getting it checked anyway. You may want to fire it up in the driveway and put it in gear, Idle only. This will let the lube circulate, warm up and flow better. It will also lubricate the seals. If you are in doubt at all about your findings, take it in to get it checked. They cost too much to ignore!!! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif

will do.........i'll run her a bit tomorrow to see what she does. ill post with results.