Re: Gearcase question

[Don]

Rob
This is a tricky replacement indeed….I’m wondering where you came up with the part number 397709?
First off, we have to confirm what engine you have….E6RCRM describes a 1984 short shaft/15" 6hp….Keep in mind, the model number only describes the engine as it was when it came off the assembly line. In other words someone could have converted this short shaft model to a long shaft….So, you need to confirm whether or not you have a short shaft/15" or a long shaft/20" gearcase… Is there a 5" gearcase exhaust hsg extension present? If so, someone converted it to a long shaft/20" model.
The part number for a complete gearcase I have found is: 393848 which supercedes to: 439005. The part number: 397709 also supercedes to 439005, so I am guessing it is the part number for a complete gearcase from an earlier year. I don’t know what 397708 is, does not come up…
I did find reference to 397709 in the 1983 book, but I think it is a mistake, describes it as a long shaft gearcase….

So, start over for me…Tell me what the part number is for the gearcase you have found, is it a new gearcase or just a used gearcase with a described part number? Do you have a link to the seller’s posting so I can have a look?
In any event, the proper part numbers for the 1984 short shaft 6hp you described are: 393848 which supercedes to 439005, either of these will work on your engine.
There were many little changes made to these gearcases through they years, which will make important differences…You will want to make sure you can return the part in case it turns out to be the wrong one. I can only imagine you are paying a premium price for a part that is NLA: the last posted price for these new gearcases was around $900…