I have read up on all the threads regarding replacing the strut bushing, but I can't seem to find any info on replacing the strut. My question: is there an alignment procedure when replacing the entire strut?
I bent the prop on a rock last weekend, and while pulling the prop, I figured I'd pull the shaft and check it out, upgrade to a new shaft seal, and replace the bushings if I could get them out without a fuss. That's when I noticed a crack in the strut, about a quarter of the way through. My guess is the vibrations while limping back to the dock was the cause.
Is alignment a big deal on direct drive inboards? I successfully removed the old strut and have another one on order, so what alignment do I need to check when installing the new strut to make sure everything is back to normal? I don't see any way you could twist the 6 bolts in the holes or tolerance difference in the strut to be a significant change to alignment. Is it as simple as bolting the strut to the hull and checking to see if the shaft rotates smoothly before replacing the prop?
Thanks,
Chris
I bent the prop on a rock last weekend, and while pulling the prop, I figured I'd pull the shaft and check it out, upgrade to a new shaft seal, and replace the bushings if I could get them out without a fuss. That's when I noticed a crack in the strut, about a quarter of the way through. My guess is the vibrations while limping back to the dock was the cause.
Is alignment a big deal on direct drive inboards? I successfully removed the old strut and have another one on order, so what alignment do I need to check when installing the new strut to make sure everything is back to normal? I don't see any way you could twist the 6 bolts in the holes or tolerance difference in the strut to be a significant change to alignment. Is it as simple as bolting the strut to the hull and checking to see if the shaft rotates smoothly before replacing the prop?
Thanks,
Chris
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