I have a torquemaster lu on a 2008 250 proxs with 625hrs. I was at idle and went to take off and nothing happened other than the engine reved up. Got towed in and found out the pinon gear broke. Has anybody had a pinon break?
I have a torquemaster lu on a 2008 250 proxs with 625hrs. I was at idle and went to take off and nothing happened other than the engine reved up. Got towed in and found out the pinon gear broke. Has anybody had a pinon break?
That is the weak link in the HP cases it is common.
As Todd indicated- the pinion gear is the smallest/lightest component between the powerhead and the "Forward/Reverse Gears" in the gearcase.
When something goes awry... it's the most likely component to fail.
There are a number of potential causes of pinion gear failure... all of which require inspection of the internal gearcase components (and exterior of the gearcase, propshaft runout, prop, and splines on shafts).
Still under warranty?
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
Yes, and just found out Mercury will cover the lower unit. Do you know if Merc. has changed the design to remove the problem from newer models?
Did the pinion gear break or did the driveshaft break at the pinon? I have seen 3 08 250's TM do this driveshaft broke at the taper.
04 521VX 250 Pro XS
14 521C 250 Pro XS
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by snickers2 »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Yes, and just found out Mercury will cover the lower unit. Do you know if Merc. has changed the design to remove the problem from newer models?</td></tr></table>
I wouldn't call it a design problem... as stated above, the pinion gear is simply the smallest/lightest component in line between the powerhead and "driven gears".
To maintain a gear ratio of 1.75... it can only be "so large" and still fit the gears within the confines of the case.
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
After 625 hrs if that is your first issue with it I would not call it a design flaw. I had a pinion let go after about 20 hrs after a lower unit rebuild due to striking a UWO. Got a new case lower unit after that never had another issue.
Bryan McDonough
2023 Nitro Z21 XL
Nitro Team
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