89 DT 55 Drive shaft Bearing Plate Removal

[cyachts]

I ordered a new Drive Shaft Bearing Plate and Seal. I have the lower off and the plate seems to be hung up, almost like a spring is holding it. Do i need to remove the prop shaft etc to get the plate off?

Thanks!

[Solarman]

Which bearing plate, there is a bearing plate under the water pump that holds the diveshaft in place, and a bearing plate housing that holds the prop shaft in place? Both are held in place by an o ring seal.

Post back when able.

[cyachts]

Thanks for the reply - its the bearing plate that holds the drive shaft. The lower unit is fine - when i took the new to me engines water pump housing off to replace the impeller etc, the aluminum around the drive shaft was corroded and missing pieces. I figured i would replace the plate and the seal under it for the gear case. I ordered the drive shaft bearing plate and a new oil seal (as well as the drive shaft bearing). The bearing plate is loose, but will not come off. I do not want to risk pulling the shift shaft out. It seems like a spring holding it - i know there is a spring on the drive shaft. Can i get to the o ring seal without removing the prop shaft housing etc?

Thanks again

[Solarman]

There is a drive shaft seal (inner seal), and an outer seal (o ring) on the bearing plate. I don't know of anything else that would prevent the bearing plate coming up. The key in the drive shaft needs to be removed for the bearing plate to slide up. If bearing plate is loose, pry evenly on both sides, it should slide up. Be careful not to loose the spacer, or drop anything in once the bearing plate comes up (stuff a clean rag in opening).
Clean and lube drive shaft to prevent damaging new seal sliding back down.

Good luck, post back how you're doing, when able. You do not need to do anything with prop shaft, or shift rod.

[Solarman]

Cyachts, just got the chance to view your parts list. I apologize, my motors have a separate bearing housing. Your motor has a plate that goes the entire area, and appears it may involve the shift rod? Parts pic does not show both in same pic? Generally the exploded view would show all parts, and how they go together. Shift/clutch rod shown in one pic by itself, bearing plate with water pump, and gear case & transmission in separate pics also.

Your plate may have guide pins, to prevent mis-alignment? If you don't have a manual, you can get one for your motor at brownspoint marine com.

If you have a manual, follow that guide for replacing. Again, am sorry I can't be more help.

Good luck. Let us know what you find out.

[cyachts]

Thank you Solarman! I will let you know what i find.

[cyachts]

Well I had to try and remove the prop shaft bearing housing - lower bolt broker immediately - top was fine - heated gear etc - used a puller soft hammer etc. The plate actually broke off - the bearing housing is literally welded from corrosion to the gear case. Looks like a lost cause - need a new lower? any good info on where to find an 88 DT55 lower?

Many thanks

[DaffyNorway]

Is this the plate you broke?
1997 DT55TCLV Suzuki Marine Outboard WATER PUMP Diagram and Parts

Why do you have to buy a new lower unit?

I am struggling with getting that plate of on my lower unit as well.
It feels exactly as You wrote. Like a spring holding it together.
Could you be able to add some pictures from your plate and underneath it?
And a picture that shows why you need to replace the unit.
Maybe someone can give you a hint of what to do with it...

[Aurell]

I have the same problem

I found this old thread…
I have exactly the same problem. The plate does not come loose and it feels like it is hold by a spring.

Was there any conclusion concerning this problem?

[henrik]

Hi all!
Bringing a little life to this thread. Anyone got a good solution on how to remove this bastard?
Video in link.

//Henrik

[Pilot520]

Hi I have encountered the same problem with my 98 DT50
the mainshaft bearing plate has corroded around the bearing housing allowing water ingress
oil is emulsified as a result
It seems I may have to do a complete gearbox strip to be able to remove that plate as it appears to be retained on the underside somehow?
noticed a post on the subject and wondered I if someone has found how to remove the plate without a complete strip down