Should I replace the cutlass?

[Witzend]

-2001 C310 500 hr on it -on the hard since November
-no play, and only minimal vibration below 1K
-but over time the engine mounts have settled causing
-the shaft to now tap the fiberglass at the bottom of the hull exit point
Due to the prolonged misalignment the shaft has worn the bottom of the forward end and the top of the aft end ~halfway through the thickness of the rubber of the bearing.
If I realign the engine to re-center the shaft in the thru-hole will I now have excessive play of the bearing?

 

[Steve Dion]

I would replace it and re-align the engine. The bearings are not that expensive. If you find that it needs to be replaced after you splash it will increase total cost.

 

[BobM]

Sounds like there is no play because it is under torque. Replace it and realign everything. Final alignment must be in the water after allowing everything to relax after being on the hard. Sounds like you may need to address the mounts too. They may have reached the end of their effective lives.

 

[rpwillia]

Replace it now while it is on the hard

If you even suspect there is a problem and you are on the hard, replace it. They are only around $30.00 and with the age of your boat it should not be too hard to do. There are plans on the web for cutless bearing pullers, and following them you can make your own out of wood, threaded rod and nuts, and some pieces of 3/4" copper pipe (4 pieces that overlap each other). That and a little tapping will get the bearing out. Don't forget to get the two allen screws on the side out first. Ray

 

[Witzend]

I manufactured a tool modeled after Pete Hazel's design. I believe I will first need to align the shaft or disconnect it from the tranny, or I will not be able to get the tool to slide the bearing out because of the misalignment.

 

[Jim]

Sound like mine