I was just curious as if it was normal to have a little bit of play on the crankshaft. What I mean is if u pull the prop away from the engine is it supposed to have a little play back in forth?

Th reason I asked this is because I had tightened the prop nut for the crank shaft way to much. I don't know why I did this plus I learned not to anymore, but it was so tight that when I went to take off the nut the whole crank came unscrewed. I set the Drive key back in place and slid the hub back over it and tightened down on the shaft. Now I have a little play when I move the prop back in forth. Either it is not tightened enough and i need to keep turning till the play is gone or this is normal. I forgot how it felt when i took it out of the box. The way it feels now is that it is as tight as it can go. But not sure so asking for some input.

Thank You!

Tony,

A little play is quite normal, but if you can provide some photos to illustrate the play, it would help us MVVS guys here determine if it is OK, or excessive.

The amount of play is directly determined by the front bearing.
Its axial play is exactly the fore-aft movement you will see in the crankshaft.

I will take some pics as soon as my wife gets home with the camera. The play is very little and it does not float back in forth. It actually pops in and out so I was curious on this.

I took some pictures but the difference in the gap is so minute it is hard to tell. Anyhow It cranked right up today and no problems.

Tony,


From what I could see in the photos, you have got nothing to worry about.

Keep on running the engine.