Ticking from spurs rope cutter

[Gixer]

Since going back in the water a month ago there is a ticking noise coming from the stern gear.

Rotating the shaft by hand it feels like the ‘static’ part of the Spurs rope cutter hitting the V. I’m wondering if the bump stop has fallen out when I was cleaning and scraping the bottom?
Question is, other than extra wear on the rope cutter, could this do any more damage? TBH the rope cutter is a good 18 years old and was told it was pretty worn when I sent it off to be serviced a few years ago.
I will be able to beach her and have a look later in the year but really want to use her in the meantime. I can live with the ticking, it’s not too annoying..

 

[Refueler]

When mine ticked - it was the shim had worn out and the two cutters were 'clipping' each other ...

I never replaced the shim because I picked up something - possibly a wire cable - which sheered the V mount bolts ..

I lifted the boat and removed the cutter that was previously held by the V ... leaving just the cutter on the shaft in front of prop.

I never replaced V mount or that cutter part ... I have had rope and weed on prop after and it cut it - but part stayed on the cutter / prop which was removed later.

 

[vyv_cox]

Yes, I had a Stripper, not Spurs, but as Refueler says, when mine developed a clicking noise it was because the PTFE spacer between the blades had worn out.

 

[Gixer]

Thanks, wish I’d serviced it before going back in the water now, doh.

I’ll see how long I can live with the ticking sound, really don’t want to pay for another lift…

 

[Tranona]

If it is the spacer washers then leaving replacement will lead to wear on the faces of both fixed and rotating cutters. If it is the little bump stops no big deal. However a tick could also indicate that the tongue is not located in the V block - which is not good!

 

[Gixer]

Thanks Tranona,

When you say tongue, do you mean this bit?



If you do, I don’t think it can come out but I’ll check with a camera next time I’m onboard.

Thanks

 

[Tranona]

Yes. As you may know they tend to suffer from corrosion because they are not made of 316. The part you ringed actually covers an anode. Have you checked and replaced that? There was one of these fitted to my GH when I bought it and the anode was shot so the little block rattled around.

 

[Gixer]

Mines never had the anode, it’s wired to the P bracket which is wired to a hull anode. Been like this since I’ve owned the boat, 19+ years. I’ve never thought about it TBH. Below is an old photo but shows the wire.