Suzuki Df 250 driveshaft splines stripped?

[straycatboat]

My DF 250 2008 counter rotator engine just stripped the splines on the driveshaft and possibly the driven gear.
What can cause this as I never run it hard or fast . 3800-4000 rpm
1600 hours. Should I be concerned with the other engine?
Looks like the driven gear had a part # update?

[WEDOCQ]

Is that even possible??? Have you visually inspected to verify what you are claiming? If not, I would say its a spun hub on the prop.
-Shawn

[straycatboat]

Here's some pic of the driveshaft.
We used a bore-scope and looked at the driven gear it looks like mos of the splines are stripped off the gear.

[seaox230c]

I have run well over a dozen boats in my lifetime ...I have NEVER seen the splines stripped off the driveshaft...no matter what I ran into ..very odd...I can only think mechanical defect

[straycatboat]

Yea, my guess is the driven gear was not hardened after mfg and failed.

[straycatboat]

There is some upgrades Suzuki has done to solve this issue and the issue of stuck driveshafts in the powerhead.

[seaox230c]

this may be obvious but did you have the right amount of oil in the lower unit and might have water gotten in

[straycatboat]

I stripped at the power head not the pinion nut.
LU oil was fine.

[Wayman]

The oil is fine with no evidence of water. I have changed the lower unit oil twice a year since I've owned it. Yes, I have visually inspected and the splines are severely worn. The mechanic stated this was due to a lack of maintenance. More specifically, he said the lower unit should be dropped every year and the driveshaft splines should be lubricated with a specific grease every year. Never heard of this before. Have any of you. The repair was quoted at $3500-$4000 with no warranty I have never been fond of marine engines that have been into this deep. Any advice would be greatly appreciated??

[Wayman]

Sorry, I posted this exact problem on another thread and was replying to that. I was told that motor would have to be pulled and replace crankshaft, driveshaft, and many other parts. Is this a repair that will last? Not real keen on getting this deep in a marine engine

[Moonlighter]

The oil is fine with no evidence of water. I have changed the lower unit oil twice a year since I've owned it. Yes, I have visually inspected and the splines are severely worn. The mechanic stated this was due to a lack of maintenance. More specifically, he said the lower unit should be dropped every year and the driveshaft splines should be lubricated with a specific grease every year. Never heard of this before. Have any of you. The repair was quoted at $3500-$4000 with no warranty I have never been fond of marine engines that have been into this deep. Any advice would be greatly appreciated??

Yes, lower unit should be dropped and as mechanic said splines lubed annually or thereabouts.

[Wayman]

I realize the powerhead has to be removed for repair. Does the crankshaft have to be pulled? Are the splines a piece that is bolted to crankshaft or is it all one piece?
Sorry for my ignorance.