Anyone who has an auto prop had to replace the bearings?
Thanks.
Bill Evans
Companionship NS 30U #465
Galesville MD.
Hi,
I had an Autoprop on a Tartan 40.
A word of caution:
Record the location of each blade on the hub before disassembly.
Simple prick punch marks (.), (..) and (…) on the blade and Hub will suffice.
This assembly has been dynamically balanced and a swapped blade position could be bad.
I would replace all fasteners as well as the bearings.
Be careful handling the bearings.
If there are press fits be certain to press the ring that is the press fit.
I would not heat the bearings over 200f.
I suppose the blades could be heated a bit more.
I suppose you could cool the shaft with dry ice.
Other than that, it is just mechanical.
Fran Cichowski
Southpaw 30U #300
Noank Ct
During the sea trial of my now N33 there was no escaping the very unpleasant vibration when motoring forward or reverse. Once hauled it was obvious that the autoprop was most likely the cause as the blades had significant play despite the fact that the PO had the prop bearings, etc renewed by the autoprop company. At least that was what I was told. So I pulled the prop and shipped back to AP in RI for further renewal. I was soon informed that since it was an early design the bearings were of a sort no longer available, etc, so I should consider buying their newest model. Instead I opted for three bladed Flex-o-fold which was quickly shipped to me and easily mounted. I have never regretted that decision. Beautifully crafted with no maintenance required other than easy zinc changes. Very little prop walk which does help in some parking situations but the best feature is the quick stop it provides when docking. Oh yes, No Maintenance, no blade settings, nothing other than mount it and use it.
Hello Bill
When I had an autoprop (it is no more) the bearings were replaced at a marina at the same time that I had requested servicing of the bellows. My recollection is that it wasn’t a ‘big deal’ but was probably a good idea, like changing the bellows. That was in 2016 I believe. You could probably do it yourself if you are handy.
Jim
Thanks
Hi,
Providing you have a large container under the prop to catch any ball bearings that may try to escape it is quite easy to do it yourself. The trick is to make sure each blade is done separately and for obvious reasons, the blade is horizontal.
Best regards
Neville Weir
Cat Sass 30U
Vancouver, BC
There’s a YouTube video on how to rebuild prop made by the US distributor. Can’t recall company name, but you can purchase the rebuild kit from them, Google it. However, could be tariffs charged by Trump for them to import parts from the UK.
Don