Bearing ?

[chuck stas]

Hello All, I'm new to sailing & boating but having a great time learning,
Last NOV I picked up a 1983 ODAY seems like a solid boat no leaks all summer.
Just had it hauled out, 1st time in 4 years I think. The bracket that holds the propeller moves up / down about 1/8 inch , not side to side. Should there be any movement here ? I was thinking there mite be a bearing that is no longer there. If that's the case where can I find parts for an old ODAY?

 

[chuck stas]

thank you youtube.

 

[Sunbird22358]

I assume you are referring to movement of the propeller shaft within the strut on an inboard engine? If so, there should be a "bearing" in the "tube" of the strut where the shaft passes through, is called a "CUTLASS" bearing and is not O'DAY-Specific, that is, it is generic, based on the diameter of the shaft and should be available at most good marine supply stores that cater to inboard boats. WEST Marine stores should have cutlass bearings, you will need to know your shaft diameter and the length of the bearing through the strut. If this is a factory-installed engine, Rudy at D&R Marine may know the correct size for the cutlass bearing, or you could ask another owner of the same O'DAY model that you have (You didn't mention which O'DAY that you have, that info will help a lot!)
Anyway, back to the question of that looseness, no..the shaft should not move around that much, the cutlass bearing will keep it solidly restrained in the strut, grooves in the bearing allow water to pass through the bearing and lubricate the shaft allowing it to turn under power. I am baffled though as to why the shaft will move up and down, but not side to side. Are you saying that the shaft moves? or the strut? The strut definitely should NOT move, and if it does..... you may need to tighten the bolts that hold it to the hull, I am amazed that the bolt holes are not leaking if the strut is that loose (must be a good, flexible sealant?).

 

[chuck stas]

Thanks for getting back, you confirmed what I was thinking.
The shaft is what is moving up & down about 1/8 inch but not side to side.
The bracket is tight to the boat and does not move.
Nothing leaks from what I see.I only seem to get some water in the bilge went it rains hard. I'm assuming that normal.

 

[chuck stas]

Here's the picture

 

[wing15601]

I would investigate why the shaft deflects in only one direction. Sounds like something is causing the cutlass bearing to wear unevenly. There are several videos on changing a cutlass bearing on YouTube and the videos are geared toward selling the removal tools. If you do this job yourself, make sure there aren't any set screws holding in the old bearing. I would be interested in knowing the process you use if you do it or the cost if you have a mechanic do it.

 

[chuck stas]

was thinking I would change myself if I can find the tool to rent or borrow , its about $350.00 to buy it. Way to much.
I called a Mechanic to get a price. I'll let you know when he gets back to me.

 

[wing15601]

It would seem the tool would not be that difficult to make if you have the time and inclination. Some threaded rod, a pipe with a one inch inside diameter and the ability to split it into two equal pieces. Nuts, washers and some cutting, filing, drilling and cursing and a little blood it would work fine or you'll decide the price if the tool isnt so much after all. Or. You may find a mechanic willing to rent his to you. Even if you gave to pay him a hundred bucks it's something you'll probably only use once in your life anyway. And it'll save that blood part above.

 

[Tally Ho]

It would seem the tool would not be that difficult to make if you have the time and inclination. Some threaded rod, a pipe with a one inch inside diameter and the ability to split it into two equal pieces. Nuts, washers and some cutting, filing, drilling and cursing and a little blood it would work fine or you'll decide the price if the tool isnt so much after all. Or. You may find a mechanic willing to rent his to you. Even if you gave to pay him a hundred bucks it's something you'll probably only use once in your life anyway. And it'll save that blood part above.

I went through the same thing with my new-to-me O'Day 322. My brother-in-law owns a machine shop, so I gave him a rough sketch of what I wanted, along with the measurements for the shaft OD and the strut ID. These are the important measurements.

Here is a video I did that shows the tool he made and how it worked. The hardest part to make is probably the collets. The rest is just a few plates and some all-thread to connect them.

Greg

 

[chuck stas]

you made it look easy thanks

 

[Tally Ho]

you made it look easy thanks

The right tools made all the difference. I just hated to spend $300+ for the commercial tool. My brother-in-law did a great job, and even monogrammed the plates with my boats name!

Hopefully won't need to use it often, but as long I keep the O'Day 322, I am in good shape ( or buy another boat with a 1" shaft and the right sized strut ID!

Unfortunately, I am watching our first snowfall of the season here in the Chicago area....going to be a long winter

Greg