Cutlass bearing removal?

[Jeff]

Im changing the cutlass bearing on my 272LE this week. It looks like I have to unscrew the large nut at the stuffing box and loosen the 2 small allens on the bearing housing to pull the prop shaft out. Am I missing anything?

 

[RichJ]

Fun with the cutlass bearing

Jeff,In this forum you will find that some folks made up a press that eliminated the need to remove their shaft, it worked for them (they were lucky) some boat yards have a tool that does the same, I on the other hand had no choice but to do it the HARD way (the press didnt work in my case)This is the Hard way...1) remove the propeller2) remove the set screws in the strut3) remove the 2 set bolts in the shaft side of the shaft coupler4) remove the bolts that hold the shaft coupler to the transmission coupler5) place a socket between the 2 couplers, reconnect the couplers with longer boltsThis should press the shaft from the coupler. IF NOT (as in my case)6) cut the shaft coupler offBe CAREFULL if you have to cut the coupler off, that you dont damage the shaft or you'll be buying a new one.any good marine store can order you a new shaft coupling, mine cost $62.00.Now that it's all apart, remove the old cutlass bearing, clean out the stuffing box, etc...when installing the new bearing, it's OK to CHILL it, but DO NOT FREEZE IT, it will damage the rubber.Good Luck & let us know how you didRichJ

 

[Paul Palmer]

Cutlass Bearing

JeffI just changed mine on my OD25. I assume you have a prop strut. I just loosened the nut on the stuffing box and loosened the bolts that hold the prop shaft the the transmission flange and the prop shaft slid right out. If your shaft is stuck to the flange then you would need to try to push it out as Rich suggested. Once the shaft was out I removed the two set screws and then carefully cut through the old bearing with a hacksaw to make it easier to remove. I made a puller out of a piece of all-thread and a 4" length of pipe and some washers. It pulled the old bearing out, and after about 30 minuted in the freezer, the new bearing in. Do not use dry ice because it will chill to bearing to much and can damage it.Hope this helps.Paul Palmer