Actually not good – It should be tight on the shaft and have NO metal to metal contact. The bronze bushing in the gearcase that supports the driveshaft is excessively worn. Drilling and taping the bottom of the shaft for a stainless steel screw filed off to get the proper clearance will compensate for the ware. Those old cork seals were only marginally effective. Modifying the gearcase to accept modern seals is easier said than done, but possible. Use John Deere Corn Head Grease for lubrication. It is more water tollerent. You may find a good used pump impeller – OR – find some one with a 3D printer that could duplicate that lower impeller for you . . . 😉




Later model Elto Ace used this gearcase. It was also used on the Evinrrude Sportsman.