Propshaft Play

[newty]

I was just taking a look around my prop and rigging just to make sure everything was in good shape. When I noticed there is some play in and out with the shaft.

I can push and pull the prop and feel a movement towards and away from the V-drive. No more than a 1/6" of play but I've never noticed it before.

Is this normal? The packing on the cutlass has loosened up in the last season for the prop to spin fairly free, so maybe its just more noticable than before.


Thoughts?

[kaneboats]

I am going to assume that you meant 1/16". That does not seem significant but I would still reach around the v-drive and check to make sure your coupler bolts are tight. If you are feeling ambitious it would be a good time to check your alignment.

[DOCDRS]

Not a specialist here but if your coupler bolts are tight and your not loosing Vdrive oil maybe its just wear n tear in the vdrive. You may want to replace vdriven oil more frequently and check the filter screen for debris metal

[newty]

Yea Kane, I meant 1/16". I'll check bolts this evening and see if I can find the source of the play. I was going to change the V-drive oil this last spring but there is a plate on it that specifies that it need only be changed once after 50hrs (I think) then every 500hrs after. I didn't see any reason to change the fluid as this is what Walter (the manufacturer) suggests.

The boat only has 240hrs so I hope its not wear and tear. I've always babied the drive train on this thing. I know for a fact that the v-drive and trans fluid have been changed 2-3 times.

[cab13367]

Newty, I'm guessing your coupler bolts have worked loose. There are a few people that have noticed the same thing.

[newty]

Thx Cab, that makes me feel better. I hope thats all it is.

[newty]

Thanks guys! The coupler bolts were all loose. How does that happen with nylox nuts? Anyway, thanks for the info.

I will be adding that to my service regement. I would suggest everyone take a look at thiers. Its an easy fix but it could lead to some serious problems.

[wolfeman131]

Yeah, but too much playing with your propshaft will make ya go blind! Least, that's what I heard.

[newty]

My shaft... my boat... I'll play with it as much as I want! MYOB! lol

[DOCDRS]

Thanks guys! The coupler bolts were all loose. How does that happen with nylox nuts? Anyway, thanks for the info.

I will be adding that to my service regement. I would suggest everyone take a look at thiers. Its an easy fix but it could lead to some serious problems.

You may want to change them for new ones , over on offing them can wear out the nylon portion making them less effective

[kaneboats]

I think I might start recommending putting a regular nut on first and then a nylock nut for a lock nut. When you have to remove the bolts it is extremely difficult to reach in there to turn the nylock nut-- it won't finger loosen so you have to use a tool. You can't really get a socket or box wrench on it so you have to use an open end wrench. Worse, you also have to hold the bolt with an open end wrench for the same reason. If you put the nylock nut on second, it won't have to turn as far. Then you can loosen the regular nut and spin it off with your fingers. Cost= 4 regular stainless nuts. I didn't do this (I was out by the lake 35 min. from town when I did mine) but I would do it next time. Make sure you have enough threads. There are a few different looking couplers out there. I actually had to get different bolts when I changed out my shaft because the new coupler was different.

[squeeg333]

Also, be careful if installing new bolts. I bought new stainless bolts from McMaster Carr, along with Nylocks, and had several of them gall on my while installing - one to the point of totally siezing. Unfortunately, it wasn't even close to being tight, so, I had to use a hack saw blade to get it out. Not fun in that small of a space. I would higly recommend checking these bolts a few times a season, and replace when they look bad, but be sure to use anti-sieze on the threads when installing... or you'll have a few bloody knuckles.

[DOCDRS]

I wonder if ss nuts with lock washers on a washer might be a way to go???? I have a set of open ended ratchet wrenches that are sweet for this tho.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6125560590_fabb64965a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44449644@N07/6125560590/)
DSC04996 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44449644@N07/6125560590/) by docdrs (http://www.flickr.com/people/44449644@N07/), on Flickr

[rdlangston13]

Where did you get the ratchet open end wrenches???

[DOCDRS]

Canadian Tire :)

[squeeg333]

Doug, I've got a set similar to those, and they are awesome!