prop shaft removal

[rspecops]

I was wondering how to or how difficult it is to remove the prop shaft. I have a 1978 F26, crusader 350 engine with B/W velvet drive direct or straight drive transmission. I have discovered that the engine alignment may not be perfect and I plan on replacing cutless bearing and checking or adjusting engine alignment. Seems the cutless bearing is wearing uneven. Where the prop shaft enters the cutless bearing I have excess wear on the bottom portion of bearing. Where shaft exits / aft end there is excess or more wear on the top area of cutless bearing. Is taking the prop shaft out as simple as just disconnecting the coupler joining shaft to transmission?? Boat is out of the water on blocks now.

[jimbo36]

Just a couple of suggestions. Before uncoupling the shaft you should dial the shaft, with the proper instruments, to be sure it is true. If so, remove the shaft, check for scoring and replace the cutlass bearing. Check the stern tube for wear or enlargement. Check/replace the stuffing box packing. When doing the shaft/engine alignment the boat MUST be in the water. Good luck.

[larryeddington]

Gotta get the coupler off of the shaft no easy feat. Below is article of pulling mine and they were tough even with no engine in.

http://www.trojanboats.net/wforum/viewt ... ht=coupler

Putting back on was easier I heated the coupler in oven to 350 degrees and it just tapped righ on with a brass hammer, no problem.

[rspecops]

Great info, thanks..