re-mounting drive shaft flange

[David Fox]

Any suggestions on "pressing" the engine end flange back onto the drive shaft. I pulled the shaft as part of replacing the cutless bearing and am not sure how to "press" the flange back on. Also is there a recommended lubricant or "anti-sieze' compound that shuold be used for the flange and propeller before replacing on the brass drive shaft? Thanks in advance for the helpDave

 

[Paul Akers]

Ask boatyard

Ask your boatyard (assuming you are in one). They can be very helpful in these areas and sometimes let you borrow the tools. But a word of caution about working with the prop shaft. Monel shafts are much softer than people realize and can bend very easily. Good luck with your work.

 

[Bob Blackmann]

Flange

Dave,I solved that problem by installing a split flange. Not only will it be easier to remove if necessary later on, it also eliminates the possibility of not pressing the old flange on square to the shaft.Bob

 

[Doug B]

Possible quick fix

We replaced our old bronze shaft with a new stainless one and it slid on tight but with very little banging. If you are not replacing here is a possible thing you can try if you havent already. 1) wrap a piece of medium grit emery cloth around the keyed area of the shaft. have someone under boat turn the prop or put a chain wrench on the shaft (not around cutlass bearing area though) and turn it. This will get all the old oxidation off the area that the flange covers without taking metal off unevenly. 2) get the very front edge extra well. if it gets slightly rounded, no big deal. you dont want a micro-lip stopping things.3) emery out the inside of the flange also by wrapping emery cloth around something round and giving it a few spins. Use a very high grit for doing inside the keyway if you notice oxidation in there. be very gentle. you dont want to remove metal, just smoothen it out.4) lube up both with some light grease.5)line it up very carefully and brace the tranny side of the flange against something solid (end of stringer with 2x4 might work) and have person at other end knock lightly on aft end of protected (block of wood) shaft with a hammer. It may very well slide on ok this way. Caution, use light taps and do not brace it against tranny or tranny flange when tapping! Go slow to make sure it does not start crooked.Good luck!