Cutlass Bearing

[Rick]

Hello,I'm considering putting a new cutlass bearing on my O'day 25 this spring(we have the Westerbeke VIRE 7 hp inboard). If anyone has comments and suggestions on this procedure please leave a message. Question: Do I remove the shaft by disconnecting it from the motor shaft coupling and sliding it out through the boat(aft)with the propeller still attached? Also, is there another bearing between the coupling and the cutlass bearing (possibly in the location covered by the rubber hose as the shaft exits the hull of the boat)? One more: Is there any special trick to remove the old cutlass bearing after removing the two set screws holing it in place?Any help is appreciated!Rick

 

[Paul Palmer]

RickI own a OD 25 with the Vire 7 inboard and will also be replacing my cutlass bearing this spring. You need to remove the bolts holding the prop shaft to the the transmission coupling flange. Loosen the nut on the stuffing box and slide the prop shaft out. Your staft may be stuck in the coupling flange and require some effort to free it. Mine slid right out the last time I removed the shaft but I have talked to other boat owners who have had a terrible time. I know one right now that is considering cutting the prop shaft to get it out. If yours it stuck you might try unbolting the coupling and placing something to use as a pusher on the end of the prop shaft (like a socket a litter smaller than the shaft) and then bolt the coupler back together with longer bolts. As you tighten the bolts the socket should push the shaft out. Be careful not to tighten the bolts enough the break your coupling flanges if you shaft is really stuck fast. There are no other bearings other than the cutlass bearing. I imagine the cutlass bearing will not be easy to remove from the strut after you remove the set screws. I plan on building a puller the take the bearing out of the strut and will hold my fingers crossed that its not to difficult. I will be happy to let you know how it goes if you will send me your email address.Good luck,Paul Palmer112244.525@compuserve.com

 

[Norman Lampe]

Ditto

Got my 25 four years ago, same engine,had water in transmission, removed it from boat, had problem fixed(?) It's still in my garage. My shaft had a largerubber spacer between shaft & engine.it's a drivesaver. The catalog says it protects shaft from breakage. Plan to get engine into boat this spring after Ireplace fuel tank and all wiring. I'd appreciate advice from anyone.

 

[Vin L]

cutlas bearing replacement

Keep Propeller on. Unbolt from Trans, replace bolts with longer ones and when seperate trans flange from shaft flange insert socket in front of shaft and tighten bolts to seperate flange from shaft...do this several times and when free pull shaft through rear of cutlas bearing..Take a hacksaw blade cut pie shape old bearing and peel out. Take a long all thread bolt with 2 washers and install new cutlas bearing aprox 2 hrs