Cuttlass bearing strut

[ChrisCall]

Just getting started with with spring commissioning and planned to replace my 2 blade prop with a 3 blade and replace my cuttlass bearing while I was at it.

Went to take measurements for making a tool to press out cuttless bearing. Cleaned off shaft,removed zincs and paint from strut ... when I noticed that the ID and OD of the strut bore on one side was worn or almost mushroomed out . Will attach some pictures.
Any suggestions on what to do ?
Should I just install new cuttlass bearing or do I need a new strut?
There are no binds and the shaft spins freely. could this be a misalignment issue ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Afrakes]

Maybe indicative of a previous DIYer's attempt to remove the cutlass bearing without the proper tools. Bronze just doesn't do that all by itself. In addition the damage is on the engine end not the prop end. Points to shoddy work.

 

[Tom J]

Maybe you could install the new cutlass bearing, then fill in the void in the strut with epoxy, after applying a release agent onto the cutlass bearing.

 

[ChrisCall]

Thanks Tom
That's something I hadn't thought of. Any suggestions on what kind epoxy to try?

 

[ChrisCall]

It could have been a previous replacement of the cuttlass bearing. I didn't notice it till I cleaned the paint off .

 

[Tally Ho]

I double checked, and it is the "bloater". The various sizes seem to have these strange names.

Here is a video I made when I replaced mine...

Greg

 

[druid]

I've always replaced the cutlass bearing with the shaft out, which makes it pretty easy. You VERY CAREFULLY cut the old bearing, making sure you don't cut the support. Then the old bearing comes right out, and you can press in the new one.

druid

 

[RoyS]

I would try to find a replacement strut. On my boat it does not appear to be a difficult job. If you do not replace the assembly you will probably worry about it all season and if you have trouble you will have to haul the boat to repair. Good luck.

 

[Tom J]

Thanks Tom
That's something I hadn't thought of. Any suggestions on what kind epoxy to try?

I prefer West System products. They offer different filler materials and an excellent guide for their use. I've repaired keels and other underwater parts with very good results.
Like Roy said, though, a new strut would be a more permanent repair.

 

[capta]

I'd rather replace it or have it repaired by a competent machine shop than continue on as the previous owner has done, messing about with a half fix like epoxy.

 

[ChrisCall]

Also I found no set screw in the strut. Has anyone ever seen that?

 

[31seahorse]

RE: set screws.......Clean the entire round (well sort of round in your case) part of the strut that the strut bearing is in. There should be one or two set screws although they may be buried in bottom paint on one side or the other.

RE: new strut......I shopped for one last summer. I think they were available from Mack Boring (sp). The one I shopped for was adjustable so it was in two parts and the angle could be changed as needed. The cost was about half a "boat unit" if I remember correctly.

 

[ChrisCall]

I sanded it down to the bronze and didn't see any set screws on either side or the bottom . Is that normal?