I have two questions.
I am replacing pretty much everything astern of the transmission coupling -- a new shaft coupling, a new prop shaft, a new stuffing box (the hose, the bronze parts, and the hose clamps), a new cutlass bearing, and a new propeller.
Q1) I am using the split coupling -- there is no pointing in getting a 'fitting' done since it slides on with little force. But should I still get it faced? Or is facing pointless because things will shift a bit when I tighten everything anyway? I asked Don and he said 'no', but also said to ask in the forums.
I can not pre-install the coupling -- I have to install the prop shaft from outside the boat, and then put the coupling on.
I am going to invest in a dial/needle gauge setup for checking the engine alignment later -- perhaps there is some way I can use that setup to see if I need a facing or not?
Q2) With everything being brand new, there is quite a bit of friction between the shaft and the cutlass and also the shaft and the stuffing box -- specifically the bronze section of the stuffing box. Should I be concerned? Or is that normal? Perhaps after a short break-in period everything will turn more freely? I can turn the prop shaft by hand -- but it is definitely not as easy as the old system. On the other hand, I replaced the old system because it was worn out.
I expect that in a battle of the AQ-22 stainless steel prop shaft and the bronze coupling, the prop shaft should wear down the bronze pretty quickly -- allowing the shaft to turn more freely. (side note: I have not installed the flax packing yet, so the friction is definitely not from the nut being too tight.)
In summary, is there anything worth doing before I install this coupling? I searched the forum and saw 1 vote for not needing to face the split coupling and 0 votes for facing it.
Thanks!
I am replacing pretty much everything astern of the transmission coupling -- a new shaft coupling, a new prop shaft, a new stuffing box (the hose, the bronze parts, and the hose clamps), a new cutlass bearing, and a new propeller.
Q1) I am using the split coupling -- there is no pointing in getting a 'fitting' done since it slides on with little force. But should I still get it faced? Or is facing pointless because things will shift a bit when I tighten everything anyway? I asked Don and he said 'no', but also said to ask in the forums.
I can not pre-install the coupling -- I have to install the prop shaft from outside the boat, and then put the coupling on.
I am going to invest in a dial/needle gauge setup for checking the engine alignment later -- perhaps there is some way I can use that setup to see if I need a facing or not?
Q2) With everything being brand new, there is quite a bit of friction between the shaft and the cutlass and also the shaft and the stuffing box -- specifically the bronze section of the stuffing box. Should I be concerned? Or is that normal? Perhaps after a short break-in period everything will turn more freely? I can turn the prop shaft by hand -- but it is definitely not as easy as the old system. On the other hand, I replaced the old system because it was worn out.
I expect that in a battle of the AQ-22 stainless steel prop shaft and the bronze coupling, the prop shaft should wear down the bronze pretty quickly -- allowing the shaft to turn more freely. (side note: I have not installed the flax packing yet, so the friction is definitely not from the nut being too tight.)
In summary, is there anything worth doing before I install this coupling? I searched the forum and saw 1 vote for not needing to face the split coupling and 0 votes for facing it.
Thanks!
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