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Pulling prop shaft


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Trying to remove the prop shaft to replace the cutlas bearing. Engine is out for overhaul. Attached is a photo of the thrust bearing/seal. Is anyone familiar with this sort and what is the best way to pull the shaft? There doesn't appear to be any obvious way to uncouple the shaft but maybe I need to remove the bearing first? Any pointers?

20250102_163926.jpg

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1 hour ago, BMW56 said:

Trying to remove the prop shaft to replace the cutlas bearing. Engine is out for overhaul. Attached is a photo of the thrust bearing/seal. Is anyone familiar with this sort and what is the best way to pull the shaft? There doesn't appear to be any obvious way to uncouple the shaft but maybe I need to remove the bearing first? Any pointers?

20250102_163926.jpg

Did mine about a month ago . A bit different to what you have but similar concept . I had to unbolt the flanges or bearing carriers  on either side of the bulkhead . The  bearing then needed to be persuaded off the splined shaft on the aft side of the bulkhead with moderate whacks with a hammer , very much like removing a trailer bearing off a stub axle . The splined part of my drive shaft had a clamp and grub screw holding it onto the main shaft , this also needed hammering to remove from the shaft . Once that’s off you can pull the shaft out of the boat . Wouldn’t be a bad idea to replace the bearing while you can .  Saeco will have one and you will have peace of mind knowing it’s good for yonks .

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Thanks Ex Machina. Good advice there. I don't have access to the aft side of the bulkhead but the bearing is attached to a metal plate which looks to be removable.  I presume that by removing the plate I'll be heading in the right direction and will be able to draw the whole assembly foward. Good suggestion to fit a new bearing while I'm at it thanks.

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To me it looks like the thrust bearing is retained with the brass/bronze locknut and stepped shoulder behind the bearing, undo the lock nut then the bearing housing, the complete bearing SHOULD slide off the shaft, thats my engineering opinion if I was designing it.

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Thanks SloopJohnB. Hoping to have another look at this tomorrow. My plan is to start with the backing plate. I'm hoping then the whole shaft will move forward. Just got to deal to a heap of sealant that the builder or last person in there has used.

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Quick follow up and thanks again for the advice. With some better weather I finally managed to get onto this. My initial plan to remove the backing plate turned out to be the wrong approach, however with the help of a couple of pry bars I was able to remove the thrust bearing from the plate. New parts installed and gearbox refitted today. The shaft was attached with a tension pin, which was all but completely corroded. Timely repair.

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