Hi everyone
I am overhauling the gear box on my ruddertwin and noticed that the thrust washer ( part no.423 ) on the drive shaft is missing.
According to the Elto Service Manual there should be this hardened washer with a small tag that engages in a slot in the bearing (part no.422 )prior to installing the gear on the drive shaft. I gather that this tagged washer allows the gear to bear against it and not the bearing and that the tag stops it from rotating.

Looking at the bottom of the bearing and the wear pattern on the top of the beveled gear, it would appear that there never was a thrust bearing in this motor.

Should I install a thrust washer or not and if so, could someone provide a photo so that I could make one?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Kind regards
MonteNZ