I’ve never had a problem with one. How often does it happen?
Usually happens when hitting a log or digging for clams with the prop. The spring in the clutch slips and expands on impact, just like it’s supposed to do, then it needs to be removed and compressed back to length. The spring itself seldom breaks but I guess it does happen.
Just a heads up but if you are going to weld or braze it together and don’t have a lathe to help keep the pieces aligned properly, try doing it with the drive shaft installed all the way. There is a small pocket inside which the drive shaft fits in and if the two pieces aren’t aligned properly, there may be a problem getting the drive shaft bottomed all the way.
I feel like I am disagreeing with the Pope here. Mumbles is first and foremost when it comes to OMC. Consider this, the coil spring is pressed into the shock absorber on both ends. If it slips the shock should not change it’s length. If the spring is broken and one end or the other slips the coils will climb up on themselves and the whole thing will get longer. I have only had a few of these motors. Maybe five and three have had broken shock absorbers. One had a broken pump housing. They are not my favorite outboard but they do run sweet when you get them right. I will weld everyone I take apart from now on!
dale
get’em wet…don’t let’em set!!
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