All right, so my coupling went on a 3.7 merc. The engine is an 88 224 cid 165HP but only has 350 hrs on it.

New coupling is close to 300 bucks.  Found a used one here that seems in perfect shape, for $50.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercruiser-Ford-engine-Coupler-59826-Mint-302-351_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a15Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem380110955373QQitemZ380110955373QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

In your opinion, is it acceptable going with a used one or a terrible idea?

Thanks

I would buy a new one.

This merc guy i know had a good laugh at my expanse. He said, do you keep and wash your rubbers after you use them as well?

Its all a matter of risk is it worth gambling the money on that part being good.  I have gotten used parts for engine before on ebay and I have had good luck.  But I was also prepared to loose my money because you never know if its good or not.  In the worst case you are out $50.

 
I'm not a expert but by that picture it looks rotton. Rubber lose's its properties in time. You can have a new tire that's 8 years old but it's properties are expired.

h2o

I thought about this twice as well. Rubber becomes brittle overtime... Better safe than sorry.

Especially on such a major project.

h2o

We are a PG-13 site.

h2o

Well you have a few problems and fears here.

1) Your engine takes coupler #97432A2  M/C Price - $449.92
    The coupler you are looking at purchasing is 59826 is not a good   
      MerCruiser number.

2) The cost of the coupler if it fits is great! The problems and fears are
     these.
     A) Just because the splines are good, it does not mean the rubber
         hub has not spun.
     B) The original problem of why your coupler failed, has the possible
         causes. 1) Misallignment  2) lot's of trolling (need to apply new
         spline grease)

3) The amount of work you must do to replace the coupler (pull the
    outdrive, engine & bell housing) you would have to think twice to
    put a used part that may be faulty on.

Any member on Great Lakes Forum can call me for marine advise

231-330-0887

Thanks John,

Found 97432A2 - it's a sierra part. 279 on fleabay.  Is this the right part for sure bud? http://cgi.ebay.com/Mercruiser-Engine-Coupler-97432A2_W0QQitemZ200261640155QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item200261640155&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116


The original coupler is 20 years old. So yeah, I am sure it hasn't bene greased or anything.  thanks for your offer of advise.

97432A2 = Sierra #18-2414

Fits - 165, 170, 470, 3.7L S/N 6170297 & UP (1983-1989)
        180, 190, 488, 3.7 LX S/N 6170297 & Up (1983-1989)

I can get the same part for $275.00 with your
Great Lakes Discount + shipping.

Yes this is the correct part....

John, I will definately call you when I have the money. How long does it take to ship?>

couple days