Shaft Flange Removal

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Lanzilli
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Joined: 3/21/08
Posts: 3
Shaft Flange Removal

Once my vessel is on the hard this year I want to do maintenance on my PSS shaft seal.  Is there a proven way to remove the flange from the shaft.  Also I guess since I am doing this it would be smart to replace my cutlass bearing.  I assume the directions for this in on this site somewhere?  does the association have tools to help do these procedures?





Best, tom...

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Channel Islander
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Joined: 10/8/11
Posts: 378

Yes, instructions are on the site. Yes, Members can borrow the Association's cutlass bearing puller.

Nick Tonkin
*Former* Website Administrator, C36/375IA
*Former* owner, C36 tr/fk #255, Santa Barbara, CA

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newguy
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Posts: 408

Some folks will bang on the propeller hub or use a slide puller with the propeller bolt still on.  This is rough on the transmission thrust bearing and I strongly discourage this practice.

One of the more gentle ways I've personally done this in the past is to uncouple the shaft coupling from the transmission, get some Liquid Wrench in there, tap the coupling all over with a hammer, repeat the Liquid Wrench and tapping treatment a few times each day for a couple of days  I'm serious.  Make sure your set screw is removed and try introducing Liquid Wrench in there too.  The shaft-to-coupling is a slight press fit, so you have to be patient in allowing the Liquid Wrench to do its work.

Then, insert a deep socket between the shaft end and the transmission and re-bolt the shaft flange to the transmission using longer bolts than stock.  Evenly tighten the bolts and the socket will apply pressure to the end of the shaft.  Don't over do it - you don't want to bend or break the the ears on the transmission coupling or you'll be sorry you ever took my advise!  Once you get some movement, a bit more Liquid Wrench in the vacated space, more tapping.  Easy does it.

If it does not budge, then consider using a purpose-made tool, or cutting the flange, or cutting the shaft.  The last two will always work, but will result in some material and machine shop labor.

The beginning and end of his video is fine.  The middle, where he's using a torch, is not for the timid.  Don't use a torch in this area of a Catalina 36 unless you know EXACTLY what you're doing and all of the ramifications of heat transfer, flame near fiberglass, and flame near fuel oil.  Personally, I'd reach for a grinder before a torch, get it done, have a beer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM45997JCRI

Nick Caballero
Retired C36/375IA Mk II Technical Editor

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TomSoko
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Posts: 978

Tom,
Along the lines of the method that Nick described, how about using a piece of scrap steel instead of the tranny flange?  Instead of using (and possibly breaking) the tranny flange to tighten four bolts onto, with a socket between the tranny flange and the shaft flange, use a 3/8" or 1/2" piece of scrap steel, with appropriately spaced holes, and longer bolts.  The shaft flange will not bend, and a beefy piece of scrap steel won't bend or break, either.  I'd wager any machine shop could cut and drill a piece for you for not much money.  I can envision a 4x4 piece of 1/2" steel, with four holes drilled in it, and four fine-thread bolts about 3" long, with washers, and well oiled.  Hope this helps.

Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT

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newguy
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I like where Tom is going with this.  If you don't get movement just using the transmission flange and moderate tightening on the bolts, then you might go for the scrap metal plate idea before the grinder solution.  You could either tap the scrap plate for machine screws, or just drill and through bolt.  You can be a bit sloppy on the through bolt method.  Here, you could apply all the pressure you want.  If you bend the propeller flange, then hell, you were going to have to cut it out anyway by then....

Nick Caballero
Retired C36/375IA Mk II Technical Editor

Lanzilli
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Joined: 3/21/08
Posts: 3

Thank you Nick and Tom, this is good info.  I actually tried to get the flange off last season and just ran out of time.  It would not budge.  This information can help me get there.



Tom it is good to hear from you.





best, tom.

Ithaka, C36 MKII #2284

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Chachere
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Joined: 10/27/10
Posts: 826

 

Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY

neilroach
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Joined: 2/4/10
Posts: 126

Be sure to go to the Compass Marine website and look at the extensive artical about shaft removal. Even if the flange comes off easily, not likely, re-installing is not a straight forward affair. 

Neil Roach
"Crewless"
1992 36, Mark I
Hull # 1174
Seattle

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