How much cutlass bearing play is OK?

[Northeaster]

Hi Folks,

I replaced my cutlass bearing last year, as there was alot of play in it, while the prop shaft was still attached to the tranny coupler. Seemed to work fine all summer / no excessive vibrations.

Although the bearing is only 1 year old, I took a look at it, as the engine / tranny is out anyway, and the prop is off too. There is no play in the bearing if I lift up on the shaft in the front, and back of the strut at the same time.

However, as the shaft is NOT connected to the tranny right now, and it is about 3 feet long, being suspended by a strut that is only 5 inches long - there is some play in it, if I move either end of the shaft up / down.

The rubber inside looks good, but there does seem to be more scoring of the shaft, than last year - I may not have noticed it lasy year!

The engine mounts were worn some, and may have caused some misalignment.

Not looking for extra work, but if there is more play than there should be, I would rather replace it now - even though it's only 1 year old - maybe 50 - 80 hours of motoring!

Advice?

[yachty]

It sounds like there will never be a better time to replace it! Not expensive and you can do it yourself.
Yachty