Drive Coupler

[Mdedonato]

I have both of my engines out on a new to me boat (2005 280 Searay [dual 5.0 MPI Bravos]).

The drive couplers look to be in good shape, the teeth look almost perfect and the rubber is intact (although has some flakes). I am unsure when they were last replaced. When the couplers go, is it usually just the teeth sheering off, or do the collars slip in the rubber? Do you guys think I should replace them since the engines are out, or should they last?

 

[b_arrington]

It's not the metal splines that fail. The bond between the rubber and the metal parts fails - either the inner hub or the outer ring. No way to tell which will fail, exactly, or when. If you are seeing telltail bits of rubber that's a strong sign the coupler is starting to fail.

If you have the engine out and are not sure if they were ever replaced, do it now. I had a 2006 270 Amberjack and the coupler failed at about 8 or 9 years. There was no warning. I was idling in gear and suddenly had no propulsion. The only way to repair is to pull the engine, which is most of the repair cost. Pay the couple hundred now for the parts and be done.

 

[Soulshine]

Funny that I read here often that the rubber is the main source of failure. I’ve only seen the inner splines fail due to bad alignment.

Sudden death.