question re disconnecting prop from gearbox

[Mike k]

Here is a basic question - if the prop was unbolted from the gearbox....

1) would that allow the shaft to be pushed back to allow engine to be moved back i.e is it fixed or can it move once disconnected?


2) If it was moved back and dangling free is it likely to leak through the stuffing box as the angle of dangle would have changed from being in a fixed position?

3) finally can this disconnection only be done on the hard?

Thanks for any replies

Mike

 

[jfm]

1. yes, can push back once disconnected
2. Possibly a very slight weep but no more. And you could lift the shaft on a block of wood to put it back up at correct angle
3. No. Can do in water. I have done. Indeed, one of the reasons you might do this is to align the engine, and then you must do it in water

Note that you have 2 options: the clamp on the shaft taper, or the flange. Which you choose depends on what you're doing. Flange is easier usually

 

[Mike k]

1. yes, can push back once disconnected
2. Possibly a very slight weep but no more. And you could lift the shaft on a block of wood to put it back up at correct angle
3. No. Can do in water. I have done. Indeed, one of the reasons you might do this is to align the engine, and then you must do it in water

Note that you have 2 options: the clamp on the shaft taper, or the flange. Which you choose depends on what you're doing. Flange is easier usually

thanks jfm you have answered everything- I appreciate that. best regards

Mike

 

[Jonmendez]

thanks jfm you have answered everything- I appreciate that. best regards

Mike

JFM is correct as usual, but just two things to check, if you have rope cutters they will almost certainly not line up again and if your rudders are close ( our boat is 2" max) you may not have as much room as you need.

 

[oldgit]

Recently had to unbolt shaft from gearbox.
In order to investigate shaft becoming usually difficult to turn by hand.
Bent P bracket.
Bolts removed from coupler and shaft allowed to take up its "new" alignment.
In the course of fiddling around shaft did slide a foot or two until prop came to rest against rudder stock, was a bit of struggle to pull it back in.
Boat always in water and no perceptable ingress of water during next week or so until boat went on blocks and P bracket sorted.
And yes those are my "office" shoes and totally unsuitable for doing grubby jobs in boat bilges.