The problem is the
price is not the same.
The R&D quote for my 150 hp engine was close to $550.
The original spring type was $95. I purchased two of them.
So for less than 1/2 the price of the R&D I have original
equipment and a spare.
I finally got the courage to remove the transmission and was surprised how easy it was.
Shim engine, remove universal joint, unbolt mounting blocks, remove transmission cooler (clean out old anodes stuck inside and vinegar soak ), unbolt bell housing cover.
Overhead support block and tackle.
Completed in few hours.
Still waiting for new damperplates to arrive in
Philippines. I did
removal step before new plates arrived since wanted to be 100% sure what was inside.
Note: The hub of the damper plate is a weaker metal than the transmission shaft. That way the damper is worn away first and not transmission shaft.
A few too many times shifting incorrectly between forward and reverse wears out the damper plate hub. Nothing about the R&D design can stop that.
For a transmission that continues to spin the
propeller in neutral, like mine does, this is a particular problem.
Therefore, the piece of mind having a ready spare on board was important. I have one engine.
Note: Also take off your starter and check wires. Most factory supplied starters do not use tinned wires. My wires were beginning to
rot.