Stern Tube

[NDG]

I have a Tufnol bearing on the prop shaft, which I haven't touched for almost 3 years (although I make sure that the greaser is always wound up). It doesn't leak anything over and above the 'normal' drop every 30 secs or so when resting, although when under way its probably admitting a drop a second or so and the bilge needs a pump every couple of hours when motoring (deep bilge). Recently, the grease is starting to escape and is being sprayed around next to the shaft in a pretty arc, which suggests that something needs to be tightened, although the rate of water ingress is still fairly constant.

Should I do anything to it in terms of routine maintenance, or just leave it with regular greasings until the dripping becomes noticeably more frequent? If the two nuts need to be adjusted, how on earth do you get a spanner on them? The whole assembly sits in a deep narrow valley which is at arms length and is v difficult to get to. Should it be repacked after this length of time? If so, how do you do this?

I would welcome any advice as its probably the only thing on the boat that I have never touched/adjusted/replaced/fixed. All advice gratefully received, as always.

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[colvic987]

To adjust the locking nut and main nut you will need to make two spanners, I inherited two spanners , which have been made out of flatbar, and welded into shape of the locknut and main nut, when i bought my boat, advise you adjust these first , remember not to tighten to much or you will end up damaging the shaft if it gets to hot, i was advised to handtighten then nip up a little with spanner, and check by turning prop, in time you will have to repack , if after adjusting still lets in to much water...

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[boatmike]

Lucky you inheriting spanners! Sometimes you can get a socket on them with a flexible extension but often not. Agree with your advice though. Would add that often when old packing gets hard and calcified there is no answer but to repack.

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[NDG]

Thanks. I will see if I can get a spanner made up this winter.

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[boatmike]

What I have in my box of "specials" is a series of long box spanners with a socket welded on the end. you can stick a 1/2 extension on the end and use a ratchet if a normal size socket won't fit.... Easy to make up..... Just a thought....


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