Prop Shaft

[Martin Grant]

Hi Everybody,It was a lovely day in Michigan today so off to the boat I went to try and removce the prop & shaft, however, got as far as removing the shaft support but alas no movement of the prop from the engine drive flange, I tried a pusher located on 2 of the four bolts, but still no movement! any ideas? I though of heat but wasn't to sure of the expansion rates of Brass. I know someone mentioned cutting and replacing the shaft but I view this as a last ditch effort. I know there are some great minds out there....... what do we think, any ideas.....

 

[Steve]

Socket & bolts...

From the other side of Michigan, agreeing with the lovely day. Hopefully the last snowfall for the spring.I removed my shaft last year and had the same problem. try removing all the bolts from the engine flange, putting a socket with an outside diameter just a little smaller that the shaft between the flange and the engine so it rests on the shaft, and then start with 4 long bolts and tighten. When your run out of room, remove all 4 and replace them with 4 about 1/2" shorter and do it again. Repeat as required. It took me 4 sets to get the shaft off the flange. Try to soak some penitration oil on the shaft before you start, and it might help a little. Also, thighten just a little, turn and tighten the next one. Keep working your way around.Good luck. We launch in 4 weeks, and start racing in 6.Steve

 

[Pete]

shaft removal tool

Martin, there is a slide hammer type puller that most yards use to pull the shaft out. Maybe your yard can do it for you or loan you the tool (most yards will not as the tool is quite expensive)It is a easy job with the puller (most of the time) and worth what ever dime the yard will charge.It is a case of having the right tools for the job.Cutting the shaft out is extreme but not unheard of.Cost of new shaft will depend on size but I know that a 1"X48" w/coupler is about $250. As far as the prop get a prop puller and use it to remove the prop. Good Luck !

 

[Don Bodemann]

Replaceing the shaft?

If you are replaceing the shaft, get a sawz-all with a metal blade and cut the shaft right behind the flange. The sawz-all will go through a bronze shaft like Darth Vaders light saber! Then you can unbolt the flange and work on the remaining little piece of shaft on the bench.

 

[David]

Shaft removal

the way Steve described is the best way. All it takes is a little patience. A slide hammer is the best way to damage the transmission if the coupler is still attached. Cutting it off is a waste if there is no damage.

 

[Mike H]

getting the shaft

On my Hunter 28.5 I had to cut the flange off the shaft. I used a dremmel tool and and carbide cut-off bit. I went through 3 bits. Also the dremmel tool would over heat and stop working for awhile, but eventually I got through it. I cut 2 channels on opposing sides of the flange where the shaft goes through it. I tried the socket and bolts procedure posted by Steve first before resorting to cutting the flange off.I also tried heat, but your average home-use benzomatic propane torch does not put out enought heat to do the job - you will need a real torch and if your prop shaft is brass/bronze, you might bent the shaft heating it too much.I did not harm the prop shaft when I cut the flange off. You just have to be careful with how deep you cut.Unfortunately for me, my prop shaft turned out to be bent anyway down yonder at the prop. It cost me around $500+ for a new stainless shaft, rebalanced prop and a new cutless bearing... Note, if you do manage to get the flange off without having to cut it off, don't forget to mark the flange so that you re-assemble it to the shaft and to the transmission in the same orientation as before you removed it. Also, take care to properly align the shaft to the transmission when you re-assmeble. Your Yanmar manual should explain how to align the prop shaft. Don't assume the prop shaft was aligned properly before you took it apart.