In this thread about stuffing box/shaft removal there seems to be an overlap in advice. I don’t believe the 30’s and the 26’s are the same shaft configuration, (maybe even all the 30’s and all the 26’s aren’t the same?) My boat is an older 26, (1981, #19) w a W13 engine. I found it to be relatively easy to remove the shaft, and have done it more than once. Biggest problem seems to be fitting into and working in the space behind the engine. Size does make a difference.
The engine and shaft are mounted at a slight angle to center line on the boat, so pulling the shaft out past the rudder is not a problem (with my 2 bladed prop) Getting the coupling flange off the shaft is the biggest issue. Here’s how I did it.
Make a set of spacers by cutting “slices” of 3/4" Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) with a tubing cutter (to get square cuts) I made a 3/8 “, 1/2”, 3/4" and 1" pieces. (approximate widths) Loosen the stuffing box packing nut and remove anything on the shaft that will prevent its movement aft, zincs at the strut, etc.
- At the coupling, immediately aft of the transmission/engine, loosen/remove any set screws on the shaft. The hole(s) is a good place to squirt some penetrating into. It would be prudent to mark the coupling halves to allow the same positioning upon re-assembly.
- Loosen the 4 bolts and nuts that hold the flanges together. Don’t back them all the way out, This should allow you to pull the coupling flanges apart about 1/2 "
- Position one of the smaller spacers between flanges, centered on the shaft. You might have to hold it in place w a piece of tape the first time. Be sure it is positioned between the shafts and not the coupling flanges.
- Retighten the 4 flange bolts, evenly. Take 1/2 turn or so on each bolt in sequence. The spacer will start to press the shaft out of the flange.
- When the bolts are fully tightened, back them off, remove the small spacer and insert a larger one. Repeat the tightening process.
- Repeat this with successively bigger spacers until shaft is out of the coupling. You might have to remove the nuts completely to get the bigger spacers in. This may require eventually using more than one spacer, or even making a longer spacer.
- Make sure the stuffing box nut is loose, then outside the boat clean the shaft of any accumulated paint, barnacles, etc. then work the shaft out of the strut.
While the shaft is out would be a good opportunity to replace the strut bearing, the stuffing box hose and clamps, check shaft for wear or bend and service the prop. If all these are done, you might not have to remove the coupling more than once.
Good Luck
Al Donaghy
26C #19, EllenM
Swansea MA
In a message dated 10/21/2011 8:07:46 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, dvdeasley@gmail.com writes: