Propeller shaft can not turn by hand

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I am in the process to withdraw the two propeller shafts. The problem is the port side shaft can't turn by hand even when the gear in the N position. That makes me can't remove the screws to move the shaft. The starboard is ok to rotate no problem. Does anyone know why and how to sort it? My engines are Volvo Penta TAMD61A. Many thanks.
 
Last edited:
Lucas Gan said:
I am in the process to withdraw the two propeller shafts. The problem is the port side shaft can't turn by hand even when the gear in the N position. That makes me can't remove the screws to move the shaft. The starboard is ok to rotate no problem. Does anyone know why and how to sort it? My engines are Volvo Penta TAMD61A. Many thanks.
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sounds like it’s either binding at one or both of the cutless bearings due to bearing delamination or at the stuffing box packing gland due to over tightening.
In some cases the bracket supporting the shaft (A or P) can also be out of alignment, but I would suspect the first couple of options.
Did you manage to seperate the locking button the stuffing box?
 
Can't you lash a timber across prop and use that as a lever? If it is that reluctant to turn it must be in a bad way. Has the boat been in commission recently?
 
The stuffing box loosens, and the propeller already removed sent to repair.

I used an 18" pipe wrench on the nut connected between the shaft and gearbox, feels like the gearbox is still in gear, don't dare to push too hard.

I was thinking to start the engine and put to F or R gear to let the shaft turn a bit, then back to N again to see if any luck. But don't know if this is safe to do or not as the boat is now on the hardstanding on land.
 
Lucas Gan said:
The stuffing box loosens, and the propeller already removed sent to repair.

I used an 18" pipe wrench on the nut connected between the shaft and gearbox, feels like the gearbox is still in gear, don't dare to push too hard.

I was thinking to start the engine and put to F or R gear to let the shaft turn a bit, then back to N again to see if any luck. But don't know if this is safe to do or not as the boat is now on the hardstanding on land.
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no prob running the engine ashore for a few secs
how is the boat supported ?
dont get your fingas near the prop ...
 
Lucas Gan said:
I am in the process to withdraw the two propeller shafts. The problem is the port side shaft can't turn by hand even when the gear in the N position. That makes me can't remove the screws to move the shaft. The starboard is ok to rotate no problem. Does anyone know why and how to sort it? My engines are Volvo Penta TAMD61A. Many thanks.
Click to expand...
Is it absolutely solid or can it be moved slightly in each direction. If in gear I would expect some very small movement . How long since it was turning?
 
The boat hardstanding since 28th June. I do remember it can't turn by hand when on that day when the propeller is still on. But I didn't pay attention as I didn't realize I need to replace the stuffing box. Looks like can only run the engine to move it a bit see what happens.

It's a 45mm diameter shaft.
 
Not yet. I have twin engines and two shafts.

Here is talking about the Starboard side shaft that can not turn, so can not unscrew the coupling to make it disconnect from the gearbox.

Another thread is doing the Port side shaft coupling removal after it disconnects from the gearbox.
 
Can you take some pictures of the GB couplings as well as the underside of the boat around the exposed shaft and brackets?
It must be very tight for room if you can’t get a spanner to all of the six? gearbox coupling nuts and bolts, assuming there is not a flexible coupling.

You can use, for example, 50mm wide webbed strapping wrapped around a short length of the shaft with an exposed loop, attached to a chain block/come-along winch, then to a strong point or bracket, to force the shaft aft, providing of course ALL bolts are free.
Where the shaft is about to slide inside a potential jamming point like a cutless bearing, lather the shaft with dishwashing detergent as a lubricant to help it slide through.
 
Could these help remove the bolts?

81vzK9HR--L._AC_SL1500_.jpg


Or get an old spanner warmed up and bend it.
 
Without wishing to be a merchant of doom, I came across this in a neighbouring boat with 61Bs when the engine had inadvertently (!) got seawater in (don't ask).
It was an engine out job.
 
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