DIagram of a Drive train

[Paul Aubrecht]

I am the new owner of a 28 Hunter sailboat.I had a powerboat before this and was well versed in the mechanics of outdrives.This is a new concept I am reading with cutlass bearings and stuffing boxes.While I understand the gist of what is talked about,I was wondering if there is a good source for a pictorial or an overall breakdown of a average diesel powered drivetrain showing where different parts are located in the drivetrain.Thanks

 

[kevin]

Overview

Hello Paul,I must have gone through apx. web sites and I can’t seem to find a running gear picture that shows it as a reference tool and not something that is showing a new design… One thing to keep in mind is that drive trains can be as unique as the boat may be to another vessel. If you are trying to get a brief “what if” I would first start by looking at your given system and make note o the particulars. Most auxiliary’s are equipped with what might be the obvious: A motor which is attached to three or four engine mounts, which are mounted to engine beds or stringers. A transmission, which is usually mounted directly to the back end of the engine. A shaft, which’s coupled to the transmission by a shaft coupling. A stuffing box fitted to the shaft, which is usually attached to a rubber hose attached to a through hull fitting referred to as a stern tube. The shaft is then supported at the propeller end by a strut , which incorporates a shaft bearing. A propeller, which is attached to the shaft. Keep in mind that you hay have a vessel that is full keel or a engine that sits over the shaft. Most all items are still present but may be in different locations or configurations. Many of the above items are sources of repair and maintenance. If you see problems with something chances are you have problems. If things seem to be in good working order and items are tight one could expect that the system is in good working order. Hope this helps and please feel free to ask any questions you might have. It’s a good reason for all of us to bone up on what we might think is the obvious. Thanks Kevin

 

[Ed Schenck]

Here's the stuffing box.

This is a picture(website) that has been seen many times here on HOW. See Link below. The right end of the hose clamps to the f/g shaft tube. The left end of the hose clamps over the "body" and the packing goes into the right end of the "hex spud". The driveshaft, of course, goes through the middle of this whole "mess". It goes out through shaft tube and through a strut. In that strut is a bronze bearing(cutless) with rubber between the shaft and bearing surface.Here's a website with an excellent discussion and a few pictures:http://www.yachtsurvey.com/Alignment2.htmThen what you really want is:"Boatowner's Mechanical