Posted by Ed Abel on February 01, 2004 at 21:47:17:
In Reply to: shaft is sticking out of rear of boat and NO prop drive posted by Don Weber on 18:55:41 02/01/04:
This fall, we had our prop shaft back out of the transmission when we were in reverse, backing out of the slip. The bolts holding the shaft clamp had loosened, and when we put it in reverse, and reved up the engine, the prop pulled the shaft out. We had a diver friend force the prop and shaft back in the transmission, and I tightened the bolts. We now have the engine out for maintenance, and I am going to safety wire the bolt/nuts to prevent reoccurance.
Did you accidently put transmission in reverse? or bump it a small amount? That possibly might have been enough to back shaft out of loose clamp.
You will have to look at where the shaft enters the transmission, and ensure the bolts holding the clamp are still there, and also, make sure you find the key for the shaft, it is 1/4inch square, 1+ inch long piece of metal that fits in slot on shaft. It prevents the shaft from turning independently of the tranny.
Hope this helps.