cutlass bearing, shaft alignment

[Greg Donnelly]

Cutlass bearing on my 2010 B40 is worn.

Previous owner replaced one last year so it's clear that I have an engine alignment problem. 

I have the boat booked for a haul and cutlass replacement in two weeks time. Had a quick look at the gearbox to shaft flange connection today thinking about the realignment job; shock horror, access is terrible. 

anyone done this? Got any tips? (pay someone to do it for you??)

[Mike Brown]

I haven't done it on my 43 but did on a 361. If you do it yourself I would have the boat in the water when you align it. Otherwise you risk the hull flexing slightly when on the hard. The tolerences are something like .004" - .006" so it wont take much to knock it out on you. Also support he drive shaft so when you loosen the coupling it wont sag on you. Also make sure you take note of how many turns you make on each mount. It's too easy to forget and if you need or want to go beck to where you started you'll be in deep s#1t. Small adjustments translates into big changes at the couple so don't overdo it.

Good luck

Mike

[sam]

I found the forward motor mount nuts loose (finger tight) so I knew I probably had an alignment problem. Pulled the boat at that time for a bottom job also and found the cutlass bearing had too much play / clearance, so changed it. After putting the boat back in the water, I had a mechanic do an alignment.All suggest letting the boat be back in the water for a couple of days before doing the alignment to let any hull stress / deformation  normalize. Alignments always done in the water.  The space us tight, but really not that tough to access. I highly recommend squirting the bolts /nuts on the shaft flange and all the motor mounts with a penetrating lube , several days in advance and several times to ensure that they are in good shape. It took the mechanic about an hour total time to align.Not really that difficult, but unless you are experienced with feeler gauges and tweaking the mounts to get the flange movement necessary, I find it worth the mechanic's expense.

Sam

LONGHAWK

B43, hull#9

[Greg Donnelly]

Sam

thanks - thinking that I'll likely get someone to do it for me. Will reply once done to impart any knowledge that comes out of the experience.

[David]

Hi

The only tool I am aware of is for the Volvo Stuffing box Item 5

It is normally at the back of the engine.

This is to ensure seal is not damaged by propeller shaft.

 

 

[Robert & Sandy]

David,

Seems strange, but maybe Beneteau know when to stay on a good thing, our Yanmar (54hp)powered Oceanis 43 (Hull 305) has the same VOLVO dripless gland as our previous Volvo powered (56hp) Oceanis 393.

Bob & Sandy