46 or 47 Sportwin pinion gear – L-shaped pinion gear key

Home Forum Ask A Member 46 or 47 Sportwin pinion gear – L-shaped pinion gear key

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  • jasonh


    Replies: 118
    Topics: 7
    #4969

    A friend of mine took apart a 1947 Sportwin LU… This is an opposed twin model 4371. Has 360 steering exhaust/driveshaft housing , 90 degree LU. This is all because the DS came out of LU when he removed LU. This L shaped pinion key has us baffled. Logically, the leg of l-shaped key would be above the pinion gear to keep it from riding up. However, that doesn’t sit well because it seems key would be riding on face of DS bushing when trust upward. If you put the leg of key inwards and below DS, things bind up. If you put leg facing outward on bottom of pinion gear it seems like it could fall out of there although it does not seem to in reality. Th later seems like the way but just doesn’t sit well.

    I am looking for a factual, "this is the way the factory installed it" or correct way to install it as we have already logically thought through each possible position. Already looked at parts and service manuals from the era and they are not helpful here.


    garry-in-michigan

    Lifetime Member
    Replies: 3583
    Topics: 31
    #42032

    There should be a hole in the upper part of the key slot in the pinion gear that the tang of the key plugs into. That keeps the key away from the bronze bushings. The biggest problem was the primitive cork seals. Water in thegearcase allowed the drive shaft to eat away at the top of the prop shaft bushing witch lowers the pump impeller which restricts the flow of water. I have a parts motor with the entire impeller assembly (What’s left of it.) hanging out of the bottom of the housing. Of course "It ran the last time it was used." . . . . . 😆

    Garry


    jasonh


    Replies: 118
    Topics: 7
    #42056

    Thank you Garry. I should have mentioned there was no hole. I had also expected to find one, but no hole in keyway. I finally was able to get to friends place and physically look it over. The DS comes down on top of PS forward bushing. There is a flat spot machined there on top. My feeling is tang faces outward on bottom of pinion gear, the flat spot keeps key from dropping out, there is very little top to bottom end play. It’s is together and doesn’t seem to have any issues.


    scott-m


    Replies: 26
    Topics: 6
    #164320

    This thread is an example of why I love the club!

    I was having the same basic problem, and if it weren’t for Garry’s suggestion to look for a hole in the pinion gear for the Tang of the key, I would still be cussing up a storm.

    My Handitwin and I thank you !


    Mumbles


    Replies: 5764
    Topics: 298
    #164354

    Here’s a little snip from the ’42 service manual verifying what Gary says.

    46SM

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