RDE-18 crankshaft thrust washers/lower crankshft bearing

[olcah]

Still working on an 1956 RDE-18 30 HP and opened the crankcase. Before opening I measured crankshaft end play at 0.026 inch. The parts list for the RDE-18 shows a thrust washer with protruding tabs that apparently fit notches in the crankcase. Instead my motor has a round thrust washer, no tabs, that looks like the one shown in the parts list for 1957 RD-19. Does anyone know the background on this change?

Another question – the lower crankshaft bearing journal shows the imprint of a roller in three places (rusted at the roller). Not very deep but visible and can be felt with a fingernail. I plan to smooth a bit with Scotchguard and replace the bearing and seal. Will that work?

Thank you.

[garry-in-michigan]

There intolerance to moisture was the reason Evinrude resisted using anti friction bearings on service motor powerhead main bearings for so long. Yes, those rust spots will accelerate the ware on the rollers. If you are only using it a few hours a month at OMCI meets, it will probably give many years of service. If you want an outboard for dependable heavy summer family use, I would find a good crankshaft. . . 😉

[frankr]

The round washer was a mid-year change in 1955. Used in RD-17R and up. A lot of those motors have an alarming amount of end play. I used to be concerned about it until I decided it really isn’t all that serious.

[olcah]

Garry and Frank, Thank you very much.

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