XL shaft engine, convertable to Long shaft?

Zubenelgenubi · 17 April 2010, 21:08

90 hp mercury 2 stroke XL shaft 25", is it possible to change it to a 20" shaft?
There is a piece which looks like it is removable?

spartacus · 18 April 2010, 08:04

I suppose in principle it can be done. You'll need a new mid-section and prop drive-shaft for starters. You'll need to access the gearbox to release the prop drive-shaft which means taking off the impeller, waterpump, oil seals, to access the pinion nut on the drive-shaft.

Would be a lot easier if you could source a complete gearbox with drive-shaft in place. After reading this - you'll see what I mean.

Apparently you also need a Mercury special tool 311875 drive shaft socket to get your pinion off without damaging the drive shaft with the vice. And you really need it to re-torque your pinion nut.

More details here. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...2071029AAk9AJj

Zubenelgenubi · 18 April 2010, 16:52

Thanks for that.

I met a guy recently & he told me it was just a matter of removing what looks like a 5" shaft extension from the middle of the shaft & sticking it all back together again!

9D280 · 21 April 2010, 11:37

How old is the engine?

As a general rule, old stuff did use an "extension piece" - I have a '72 vintage Johnson has exactly that), likewise my Aux has an extension piece.

Some, just to be awkward had an extension to the leg ,but used a one piece shaft (the leg is the expensivce casting, whereas cutting two differnet length shafts is relatively cheap). You may also need a replacement water tube.

Will depend on the engine. easiest thing to do is drop the gearbox & see what happens. if you have another flange about 5" above the one you just split, your friend's story is likely the correct one! If not, Spartacus is probably nearer the truth.......