ProXS 225 - Lower Unit questions

[bassmasterfred]

My lower unit seized up as I was traveling about 40 MPH. Local dealer dropped it and once looked inside, bearings blew up. Lower unit had only water in it, not sure what went wrong. Anyway, they advised me to just purchase a reman or new gearcase. I've been reading on this site and others to learn my options.

I'm looking for some help understanding what I should do. There is such a price difference between a Torquemaster and other brands like SEI, OBR, etc.

Also, what's the difference in gear ration and shaft length? 20" or 25", 1.75:1, and what's a fat shaft?

Looks like finding a Torquemaster is about $3,700 to purchase, without the labor to install.

Anyway, I guess I'm glad it wasn't the powerhead that went.

Thanks for the help in advance

Fred

[pasbass]

Fred,
Don from European Marine will chime in here and is the certified expert but until then, here is some helpful information..basics to be sure, from a guy who just went thru exactly what you are facing.
On Fathers Day I was cruising across the Lake in my Ranger Z22 at 40 mph when bam that was it. Naturally I thought it was the powerhead but Don told me to drop the lower unit and see if the motor turns. If it doea then its propbably the lower unit. I had never done anything like that before but i got on my butt and undid the 4 nuts, popped off the cap on top of the unit removed the anode, exposed the hex bolt, removed it and down came the lower unit. I turned the engine over and she kicked on.

Now for the basics you are asking about:

Shaft Length is dependent upon the transom and the type of boat your engine is mounted to.
Bass boats have a relatively flat bottom, a short transom and therefore a short shaft length...normally 20 inches. By contrast, the average day boat, runabout etc has a "deeper V" (called deadrise) to cut the waves better, have a taller transom and therefore a longer shaft length...normally 25 inches. Off shore boats like large center consoles powered by single engines have an even deeper V, a taller transom and therefore a longer shaft...usually the 30 inch.
The gear ratio is critical to match. Mine was a 1.75:1. It was stamped into the lower unit gear case at the mounting flange along with the part number. You need these numbers for Don or anyone else for compatability purposes.
The "fat shaft" you see and hear about is the diameter of the shaft itself. Don can probably tell you what you have when you guys get together. He is a great guy.
Concerning what manufacturer, everybody who I spoke to said to only buy Mercury.
I was able to buy a 250 Pro XS, Torquemaster with the 1.75:1 in a fat shaft configuration for $1200.00 I bolted it up today only to discover that my prop has a different diameter, so now I need to reprop. Keep that in mind.
Good Luck and trust in Don!

[bassmasterfred]

Thanks PASBAS,

My boat is a Ranger Z20, exact symptoms as yours. Thanks for all the info. I've been searching here and other forums plus Google all day (since I can't fish) and it does appear that a TorqueMaster is the way to go. Thanks for the advice.

How did you find a TM lower unit for $1,200.

Sounds like that's what I'm looking for as well.

[pasbass]

Right here on good old BBC.
Look under the "Motor Parts" section just below this forum!

[mdtritn21]

pabass you don't need a new prop just a new hub. You need the all metal racing hub for a fat shaft which has a 1 1/4" shaft. Flo-Torq II 840389K06 Mercury Hub Kit

[pasbass]

Hey thanks mdtriton !!
I am on it now!

[EuropeanAM]

Engine serial number?

Strongly recommend sticking with the CORRECT gearcase. Substituting a different design gearcase can cause dramatic changes in boat performance!

[bassmasterfred]

1b150161

[EuropeanAM]

1b150161

This engine should be equipped with a Torquemaster Gearcase (1.75 ratio).

Strongly recommend you utilize ONLY this gearcase.

The latest Part number is: 842739T13

[bassmasterfred]

Don, I will buy a Torque Master.

Thanks for the help

[bassmasterfred]

UPDATE - Used my local Mercury dealer to purchase a remanufactured Torque Master from OBR - 1 year warranty, which was the main factor versus buying from a private party. Thanks for all the help everyone.